When Is The Right Age To Tie The Knot?
Romance is one of those life experiences that most people might never get until it has hit them in the face. Some people look for it as a quest of a lifetime and try to make sure that it is perfect in every way. However, others do not find it at all and would look for satisfaction elsewhere. Getting married has always been a debatable life choice, with most people now believing that it is not necessary at all. On the other hand, many hopeless romantics remain faithful to the idea of finding their one true love and spending a lifetime with them.
Whether you believe in the concept of romance or not, its validity and existence are not something that you can deny. For one, it is one of the most important events in your life, that will change its course forever. However, there is another step that you need to take before you can realize some of them. One of the ways that you can do it is through marriage, and it can be one of the most difficult decisions that you will make in your life.
There are many questions that people have about marriage that can be confusing even for those who have already experienced it. It always depends on the culture that you have grown up in, as all countries have different customs. Even in "Western" countries, which are often considered as having the same traditions, there are still major differences on almost every level. It is rather unfair to classify them together since these differences are crucial in their system.
Does Age Matter?
One of the main questions that people ask when it comes to getting married is the right age. Generally, the people who can only get married are those of legal age, but this is subjective. There are countries wherein those who are under 18 can get married as long as there is consent from the parents. However, most countries do follow the rule that 18 or 21 years old is the age limit. Meanwhile, most people believe that it is not the best time to tie the knot.
Based on research, the older generation believes that it is better to go over the threshold as soon as you can do it. Raising a family is seen as a goal that is supposed to be done by adults unless you go for a profession that does not allow it. For example, there are many religious people from varying denominations who chose to stay single to serve their congregations. Meanwhile, the rest should either tie the undying knot or face the consequences, whatever they may be.
However, new data suggests that people are trying to make sure that they are ready before committing to this relationship. It is not something that should be rushed into, as the previous entry said. There are so many things that you need to prepare before the wedding, but most people ignore them and rush into the responsibilities. Meanwhile, it makes it easier for the couple to take it slow and learn more about each other first before engaging commitment.
Answers For The Culture
If you are still confused about the entire thing, it is understandable. Many people around the world have the same concerns. We believe, though, that giving you a certain age bracket is not an effective way to answer when you are getting married. It will always depend on your situation and your state of mind as well. However, below are some aspects that you may want to know before going to the white picket fence life.
• Age Does Not Matter
As long as you are of legal age, nothing can stop you from getting married to the love of your life. You can easily walk to a local judge or marriage registry to ask where to get it. You need to process a marriage license first, as well as following the state protocols concerning this process. However, as long as you are both ready, then you can always apply for it without any legal repercussions. There is no right age bracket as well as long as you are of legal age.
• Stabilize Your Life
It sounds vague, but it is crucial to have a stable, so you need to take a look into it first. For example, you need to have a profession that can support your family. Also, you have to find a home that fits all of you, and it should be near to your workplace. It is also essential that this location is safe and would be able to positively contribute to your life.
However, we are not living in a perfect world; there are instances wherein you cannot provide for some of these things. On the other hand, it would make your marriage life easier since you do not have to worry about your necessities. According to renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow, the physiological needs should be met first before other aspects of life like love and security can work.
• Ask Your Family Or Those Who Are Close To You
If you are still confused, you can look for other people’s advice on the matter. It would be great if those same people are close to you and know who you are as a person. Also, it would be best if they have experience on the matter, like your parents or other family members who have tied the knot. You may also know friends who may have been married and can share with you their experiences. It would be a great way to get to know the life ahead of you if you are going to go this route.
• Know Your Feelings For Your Partner
Before tying the knot, you should have learned of this already, as it is a matter between the two of you. Are you ready to be tied together with this person for a long time? Can you see yourself with them, building and raising a family? You might have second thoughts, and it is normal for such an important decision. It might not be the best option that you have right now, especially if you are not yet on the stable side of life.
Remember to be on the same side with your lover when it comes to decisions concerning the two of you. It might be complicated to measure the love between you two, but it may not be necessary anymore. As long as you are sure of your decisions, then you should not feel any regret if you follow through with it. Some people feel like a part of them was stolen once they have tied themselves to another person, and it happens all the time. You can avoid this situation by preparing yourself for the consequences of your actions.
• Prepare For Your Future Children
After you do the deed, you must also need to remember the other people you will be adding to your family: children. They are the ones who will matter the most once you are ready to tie yourselves together in the eyes of the law. Having them might not be needed for a relationship to work, but you will probably want them at some point. If you do, then your partner must also want the same so that you can work it out together.
Raising children is probably one of the hardest tasks that you can encounter as a parent. These little creatures will grow up someday, but they still need your care and guidance. It is crucial to be responsible for their development because they will not have anyone else. Do not treat them as a way to fix your relationship if something goes wrong; children are responsibilities that you need to face because you put them in this world.
As you can see, it is not about the right age anymore. It is all about your preparedness as a couple for the decision to get married. Most people will have opinions at the right time, and some of them do have a point. For example, it is a popular notion back then to get married before 25 so that you can take care of your children while you are still relatively young. Others claim that you need to get past thirty before you can consider yourself as “marriage-able”.
If you think that you already have what it takes to be a husband and a wife, you need to reflect first on your decisions. It is easy to get married, but the process after it takes a lot of time and effort on both parties. As we have said before, you need to be on the same page before going forward with such an important decision.
Meanwhile, you can take a look at other factors as well. You need to find the perfect balance between the decision and your preparedness for the entirety of it. As you will grow and learn new things, your decisions might change, and it can affect your thinking. Please try no to rush with your judgment, and it would work quite well for you.