How Old is "old enough" to Marry?
How old is "old enough" to marry?
People vary a great deal in the ages at which they become mature. A few exceptional people might be ready for marriage in their teens. Others are much too "young" at thirty.
Contrary to popular opinion, marriage age fluctuates. Fifty years ago, people were younger at the time of marriage than they were 100 years ago - and again, now. Men of today marry about two years earlier, and girls about six months earlier than did their grandparents.
Yet in all times there is a wide difference in the ages at which people marry. But what about the ages at which they should marry...
Long-time studies indicate that teen-age marriages are the least successful. They suggest that marriage in the early to middle twenties is desirable. The reasons include the fact that child-bearing is easiest and safest in the early twenties. The Kinsey studies indicate that men reach their peak of sex desire well before twenty, however, so the postponement of marriage places a strain upon those who observe the accepted moral standards. Yet emotional maturity and economic competence take time to develop. And if marriage is to represent a complete fulfillment of the love relationship, emotionally as well as physically, the couple should wait for marriage until they are fully ready. For most couples the best age for marriage seems to be from the early to the middle twenties.
Remember, however, that you are not a statistic, or even two statistics. You are you. The question is not, "What is the best age for young people to marry?" but "What is the best age for you to marry?"
The best way to decide is to look at what marriage involves, and then try to see whether or not you have what it takes.
People vary a great deal in the ages at which they become mature. A few exceptional people might be ready for marriage in their teens. Others are much too "young" at thirty.
Contrary to popular opinion, marriage age fluctuates. Fifty years ago, people were younger at the time of marriage than they were 100 years ago - and again, now. Men of today marry about two years earlier, and girls about six months earlier than did their grandparents.
Yet in all times there is a wide difference in the ages at which people marry. But what about the ages at which they should marry...
Long-time studies indicate that teen-age marriages are the least successful. They suggest that marriage in the early to middle twenties is desirable. The reasons include the fact that child-bearing is easiest and safest in the early twenties. The Kinsey studies indicate that men reach their peak of sex desire well before twenty, however, so the postponement of marriage places a strain upon those who observe the accepted moral standards. Yet emotional maturity and economic competence take time to develop. And if marriage is to represent a complete fulfillment of the love relationship, emotionally as well as physically, the couple should wait for marriage until they are fully ready. For most couples the best age for marriage seems to be from the early to the middle twenties.
Remember, however, that you are not a statistic, or even two statistics. You are you. The question is not, "What is the best age for young people to marry?" but "What is the best age for you to marry?"
The best way to decide is to look at what marriage involves, and then try to see whether or not you have what it takes.
posted by Lyn Devon at 7:01 PM
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