Cupid's Pulse Article: Are You Too Young For Marriage?Cupid's Pulse Article: Are You Too Young For Marriage?

By April Littleton

When the idea of marriage begins to pop up in a relationship, most couples ask themselves ‘Am I really ready for this?’ and ‘Will the relationship work out?’ Some even worry, ‘Can I afford the wedding?’ What many people forget to ask themselves is whether or not they’re old enough for the type of commitment they have in mind. Age is a very important factor to consider when you’re talking about spending the rest of your life with another person. Cupid is here to help:

You still rely on mommy and daddy

If you still seek your parents’ advice on every single situation you stumble upon, then you’re probably not ready to get married. Do you know how to take care of yourself? Who does the cooking? Do you still expect your mother to do your laundry for you? You still have some growing up to do. Take the time to become independent – both mentally and physically.  Don’t expect your future spouse to act like a parent. How would you feel if you had to take care of someone who didn’t know the first thing about looking after themselves? You want a partner, not a babysitter.

Related: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Married

 You’re still living in a fantasy

Depending on how young you and your partner are, the both of you could still be thinking with a “high school” mentality. A marriage between a young couple rarely works out because they don’t take into consideration that their goals and personalities change with age. What you like now many not be things you’re interested in a few years down the road.

 Marriage isn’t necessarily a positive

You may be excited about spending the rest of your life with the person you love, but you still see marriage as an end to the “good life.” Once you’re married, you won’t be able to hang out with your friends and party until the crack of dawn. If this is all you’re concerned about, then you’re not ready for a serious commitment.  One of the keys to a successful marriage is maturity. Without this trait, you won’t be able to get through any rough patches with your significant other, and you surely won’t be able to work on your relationship effectively.

Related: Does It Matter If You Have A Lot in Common?

You’re only thinking about the wedding

You’ve been so wrapped up in the wedding plans that you haven’t even thought about what comes after the fancy ceremony and reception. A marriage isn’t just about the wedding. The dress, expensive gifts and delicious food doesn’t matter in the long-term. Most young couples only think about what they’ll receive in return for exchanging vows, but it’s not the wedding you should be celebrating – it’s the relationship.

What are some other factors to consider if you’re not sure you’re too young for marriage? Comment below.