The only problem is that most people think they are mature no matter what their age or maturity lol. Its a lack of objectivity and perspective and a source of endless amusement for me . . .

You watch these people get into these really serious relationships or marriage and they become desperately unhappy but don't really know why . . . or even that they are unhappy . . kind of like having a faint but unrecognizable head ache.

Until one day bang, the moment of truth, they realize that they are not happy with their partners, its like an epiphany. And then they either leave and wish they had long before, or stay and become miserable.

Unhappines is a feel of unease and blah. A sort of numbness.

Misery is realizing that you are unhappy, he cause of it, and not doing anything about it.

But it is kind of fun to watch those people. :)

Before I went off to college and gained all of my knowledge and wisdom I honestly thought that I would find "the one" when I came to college. Not that that was the only reason for going to school, but all my life people had been telling me that you'll meet the person you're going to marry while you're in college. If that's true I hope I'm never getting married b/c these guys are not people I want to spend even a week with, much less my whole life.

I also always thought that I would get married, no if and's or but's about it...everyone gets married and I would too. But now the more I think about it, the less appealing the idea becomes as I get older. My age currently (21) definitely factors in to that I know, but I also know that as long as I have been in any kind of steady, serious relationship I have never enjoyed it and it's really just not my thing. So who knows, I may end up living on my own forever with lots of Pomeranians in a bad ass penthouse apt. all to myself...or I might become the crazy cat lady and have to have my house demolished b/c I let cats overrun it. (This really happened in Omaha) I guess time will tell. ;)

ETA: My brother will be turning 23 this summer and he just recently got engaged...I can't even imagine doing that right now and it totally baffles me that he is so excited and cool about it. :eek: :confused:

I thought the same thing... hmm... 10 months for me.
The closer I get to 23, the more I think I want to wait for marriage a little bit longer (although I would LOVE to get engaged before I graduate for a candle pass.. hehehe.. but that's all wishful thinking)

My older sister is turning 25 at the end of this year, and she really has a good attitude about it. She's not married, or engaged, but she figures you're only young once. She works full time, still has a ton of fun with her friends, and is taking her relationship one step at a time. She's currently dating an awesome guy and I think they have kind of talked about marriage, but she definitely wants to make sure the both of them are stable in all areas of their lives before they actually get engaged, which I think is a really smart thing to do.

I guess it just depends on the people. One of my close friends got married at the age of 21 a few months after she graduated from college and I was completely weirded out! All I could think was "she's MY age, and she's MARRIED! how WEIRD!"
hehehe.

it's all really interesting. I think its 50% about your personal maturity and 50% about the relationship you're in. You coudl be totally ready for marriage at 21 but if you are single... guess what.

This starter marriage phenomena is interesting. I think I could actually name a few people who are about to go into a "starter marriage" but of course they don't look at it that way. And I'm definitely not going to be the one to tell them. But still... do you ever get that sinking feeling about certain couples?

Such as Bennifer?
:rolleyes:
Silver

I agree that most people think they're mature... but the thing is, I think you know deep down if you're with the right or wrong person, even if you won't admit it to yourself, and no matter what age you are. A LOT of Mormons marry at about 21, and they stay together for the long haul... for me that seems insane, though... But maybe they just are brought up believing that you know and you stick with it no matter what. Point is, age is "just a number"... pardon the cliche'.

Re: Average Marriage Age
 

I wonder how many STAY married? Hmmmm.......

I think you also have to look at differences between those who go to college rather than the whole population. Keep in mind that those figures include the people who are married right out of high school while you're busy getting your education!

Don't feel pressured by an age. In fact, don't feel pressured at all! It can lead to "settling" for someone just because it's time to get married. And you know what? It's even ok to NOT ever get married. I wish someone had told me that! In my extended family there was a very strong pressure to be married. I'm glad I finally woke up and realized that it's not for me! I have a cousin who is on her 4th husband.. she apparently hasn't gotten the message yet. Some of us just aren't cut out to be married. I wanted to have kids so badly that I felt I had to get married. I'm glad I'm a mom, but hated being a wife!

Dee