Age and Marriage: Mutually Exclusive, or Not?

[Crystal]

Do you believe there is a particular age in which a couple should formally enter [or, seriously consider] into marriage? Or, is age simply relative, in comparison to other factors?

Weigh in with your thoughts!

[Andrew]

Age is as relative to marriage as it is to maturity. Maturity is definitely more important for marriage. What I do think is important is taking one's time before getting married. A couple should never marry if they're not both absolutely positive that they will want to spend LITERALLY the rest of their lives together, come what may.

I probably have more thoughts on the matter, but I'm to lazy to dig them outta my mind at the moment. =)

[Ashley]

Age has nothing to do with it. People should only get married if they have the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. There's honestly nothing I hate more than people who get divorced because they "grew tired of each other" or simply didn't want to be married anymore. That's not how marriage works. You're either into it whole heartedly, or you're not. It's not pretend, it's for real, and I'm tired of the girls I know from high school popping out babies, getting married, meeting other dudes, getting divorced, popping out their babies, then getting married again. It's ridiculous.

[Ashley]

Rydel said:

come what may.

[isaah06]

Take what Rydel said and what Tash said, then if your sure you've got that right person then you get married asap.. Its nothing to do with love, cuz when ya love each other you'll stay together and be happy whether ya married or not.
Its all to do with being able to get the most out of todays society, and being able to get ahead and achieve your goals. So much more is available to a couple when they are married. Better jobs, bank loans, assistance in more areas, even ya kids get more respect, and the tax benefits are massive. Therefore you get married earlier to achieve your goals earlier and enjoy them..
But its not for all.. even 1 tiny doubt means you shouldn't do it

[WaterFish22]

Age has nothing to do with it. People should only get married if they have the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. That is so true I agree, and you should get married until your ready or until you know you have found the love of your life and you agree that no matter what happens your going to stay together, until one of you dies.

Ashley said:

Age has nothing to do with it. People should only get married if they have the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. There's honestly nothing I hate more than people who get divorced because they "grew tired of each other" or simply didn't want to be married anymore. That's not how marriage works. You're either into it whole heartedly, or you're not. It's not pretend, it's for real, and I'm tired of the girls I know from high school popping out babies, getting married, meeting other dudes, getting divorced, popping out their babies, then getting married again. It's ridiculous.

[Patricia]

I believe marriage shows how commited a person is, to the 'till death do us part' sort of thing. I personally would love to get married. Not as a show off (with a huge party or anything like that), something simple, intimate, but serious enough to demonstrate how important the other person is for me.

[MidnightL]

Age is an obvious important factor, as well as understanding marriage and what you about to get into. Not only that, but getting to know your potential husband/wife very well and being able to determine if they are compatible with you, minus the lusts and physical attractions that can easily confuse us. Yes physical attraction is important but even in the most passionate, steamy romances..there comes a time when things start to slow down and not get as exciting anymore. It definitely takes work to be in a successful marriage. And there will always be ups and downs, but then again life has this too. Definitely something to not take with a grain of salt when signing that piece of paper.

[Skot David Wilson]

"Marriage" is-means to different people different things.... Some people believe one man+one woman, others believe gender roles do not have to be so traditional. To the individual they are right, so "right" is a relative concept there. A marriage is a union, but it can only last until death, or until the union dies or those who made it choose to end it. Why not have them open and free? Why not allow 17 to marry 70? What is wrong with two men and one woman or two women and one man? Again, it all depends on the unique dynamics of the individuals choosing to enter into a union that they define and agree to.
Personally, I see a marriage as a union of a male and a female element, maybe elements, that form to create a "family". Beyond that things are way open. Why should jealousy be a factor? Why can't people be secure enough to incorporate and explore romance and loving or sexual friendships and still have secure marriages? Why can't those who want to be exclusive have the freedom to stay that way? In simple terms, why can't we just be honest and clear and respect the life choices we each should be free to make?
If we spend our time enticing our partners then they will want to be romantic on an almost daily basis. Things can get old and dull, and people do change over time no matter what anyone says. If the rules of traditional marriage weren't so strict and possessive, we would all be much happier, because when monogamous relationships freely survive then we know they were truly meant to and do not because of guilt or obligations that often make people sad and resentful.
True free spirits are so very rare.
Sex gets you through a few months, maybe a year or two, love a while longer, but companionship lasts a lifetime.

[ballur]

I think people would be better suited to consider marriage once they're older. It's not to say I don't think people can be mature at a young age because i myself was but even with the maturity that i had ... i still had plenty of times that i acted my age. it's also not to say that marriages couldn't very well end no matter the age one marries BUT i just think being older , wiser, so on... its just better for the consideration of such..plus you've experienced more in life and well, i think that can really factor in on things too..

[miracle.]

Ashley said:

Rydel said:

come what may.

this was my husband's and my first dance. :)

[miracle.]

i think it totally depends on maturity. my husband and i got married when i was 22 and he was 21. we had our first child at 23 and 22. it's been difficult, but we have other complications too. we've managed to work it out so far. and have watched several of our friends go through nasty divorces, so i think we're doing okay. it's all about knowing yourself and the other person. just because you're young doesn't mean you aren't ready for the challenges. just like just because you're older doesn't mean that you are ready.

[Skot David Wilson]

I meant what I said in an earlier post, but true, age doesn't make you ready but it can help, experience can temper you... it can also leave you as damaged goods... just apply sense and be honest even if it sometimes hurts... being true to yourself matters more than anything, because if you act honestly a clear conscience gives you strength, and that allows you to form more honest and lasting relationships