Is Getting Married Young a Mistake?

I married my husband at the age of 21, just days from my 22nd birthday. We have been together since we were 16 and have had a solid relationship from day one. We have our arguments, like everyone, and we get through them stronger than ever each time. We originally wanted to get married at 19, but were talked out of it numerous times because, instead of receiving support, everyone painted a horrible picture of matrimony.

By the time we were 20, we had lived together for two years, had two dogs together, had okay jobs and were in college. We tried talking to our families about marriage again and were met with complete resistance. The only ones who were mildly supportive said we were going to get married eventually so why not now? They were not exactly jumping for joy though.

Finally, at 21 we decided it was time. We had just become Christians, knew we were living in sin and wanted to do something about it. Because of the poor economy, neither of us had a solid job, but we had a roof over our heads with his parents and were working on a future together.

Once again, everyone tried to talk us out of it. We pushed the date forward six months and that seemed to satisfy everyone. But after talking about it, we decided it was ultimately our decision. If we constantly let other people talk us into when our marriage would begin, how solid would that marriage be?

Shockingly to our families, we set a date for one month in the future. Some were supportive because they understood our reasoning and some flat out told us to our face that we were ridiculous. A lot of talking went on behind our backs that eventually got back to us. Apparently, having a job is a requirement of getting married.

The people most important to us were not thrilled with the idea of us getting married during such circumstances, but told us they would be supportive of whatever decisions we made. Although it was a stressful time, it seemed like everyone knew we were truly serious and our minds could not be changed.

We had the wedding and everyone came. We were fortunate enough to have two families come together with no fighting. No relationships were severed because of it and the drama surrounding it is slowly fading away.

With people getting married older and older, it seems strange to society when younger people get married. Marriage does not make you suddenly die. In fact, my life actually feels more satisfying than it was before and I know that when we decide to have children it will be even more complete.

In a culture where we are pushed to want an awesome career and a big house there is a stigmatism attached to wanting to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life and make a good home for your children. Not everyone has the same dreams and desires so what is good for one person certainly may not be good for someone else.

If you want to get married young, truly look at why you want to do it and talk it over with your future spouse. When you are both ready, do not let anything hold you back. Respect others' advice, but do not let their opinions rule your life.

Do you feel it is better to marry young or wait until you are more established? Leave your comments below and let's get a discussion started.