Getting hitched older, younger
NOTHING is set in stone concerning the right age to get married; in fact, even research on the issue isn’t concrete. In 2015, researcher Nick Wolfinger from the University of Utah outlined in the Family Studies blog — a product of the Institute for Family Studies — that those who tied the knot after their early 30s were more likely to divorce than those who married in their late 20s, even though for years other studies had theorised that the longer you waited to marry, the better.
Counselling psychologist Bennetta Morrison told All Woman that there are certain benefits in each category, but instead of focusing on the right age, the most important thing is that each individual should understand what marriage involves. She described marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Additionally, she says it is not the age but the attitude that makes the difference. Before tying the knot you must know yourself as an individual, and understand love and commitment. Knowing these things will allow you to understand and treat your partner better.
What is good about getting married young (early 20s), as against waiting to be older (35 and up)?
Benefits of marrying when you are young
1. Less baggage
When you marry young, you do not have that much experience. This leaves you with fewer persons to compare your spouse with.
2. You grow with your spouse
A young marriage allows the couple to have many experiences with each other. You build your careers and finances together. You learn from your mistakes together and work on making better decisions for the future.
3. Strong support system
Young married couples have better support from each other, mainly because they would be working towards academic or financial goals at the same time. They are experiencing it together and understand what their partner is going through.
4. Better sex
Young marriages lay a foundation for better sex. At this stage neither would have had too many past sexual partners. The couple can explore together and find what interests them most. They will not be bored with their partner, because it would be a relatively new experience for them.
5. It is easier to have children
Childbirth is easier in your younger years. Additionally, you are more physically fit to raise a child.
6. You share your success with your partner as the marriage progresses.
Benefits of marrying when you are older
1. You understand yourself better
As you age, your perspective on life changes. You are more mature. You’ve also had enough time to discover yourself and know your wants and needs. When you are ready to settle down, you will know what characteristics your prospective spouse should have.
2. You are free
Marrying when you are older enables you to enjoy your youth. There is freedom to travel and take part in exciting activities without worrying about robbing your family time and having family expenses.
3. You have time
There is adequate time to build your career and finances, investments, starting a business, purchasing a house and other things.
4. You are financially secure
5. Having children later can be a good thing, because you are mature and in a better position to maintain them.
