Marriage

[BacktoBasics]

To clarify SFIE: I'm older, so I was 25 when we got married. We've been married for 4 years, but have been together for 8 in January. We had a long engagement.

I don't think I was too young, and obviously didn't think SFIE was too young, either. It's been pretty good - I don't think most couples would survive what we have over the past year. I feel pretty confident that we have a solid foundation and genuine respect and admiration for each other.

Regarding arranged marriages - I do actually know of two. They were working just fine last I heard, but it was definitely a cultural thing. They were not subservient in those marriages, but I think that had to do with so much exposure to American cultures. There was a basis of respect for each other, budding friendship/companionship, and I suppose there was some attraction. I don't know if they loved each other or not, but I tend to think love can be overrated anyway (if you are talking about the soap opera emoting sort of love, because that comes and goes - I am definitely always 'in love' with SFIE, but I always love him). I think in some ways it takes more work than a love match and in some ways, less work. You have to be able to communicate honestly with the other person and you have to like them and not mind spending time with them. Otherwise, on earth.

Probably doesn't hurt if he kisses the cat either.

[angel_luv]

I just got married this August. I am 27.

I always valued my parents' input when it came to what sort of guys I allowed myself to be interested in. My parents knew me best and of everyone in my life had my best interest at heart.
As I grew older my parents' core values became my own.
In that sense my parents influenced who I chose to marry, although I met and began dating Bo without their help.

Finances are always a big deal, no matter how much or how little money people have. So it is something I am always mindful of, though not something I obsess about.

[The Reckoning]

not getting married. ever.

[jack sommerset]

Married at 28 and it will be 10 years tomorrow.

[angel_luv]

Married at 28 and it will be 10 years tomorrow.

Congrats.

[Ballcox]

Well, been with the wife for a little over 9 years, living together for almost 12 years.

All I can say is trust your gut. I had chances to marry when younger in a couple different relationships, but my gut feeling at the time told me I wasn't ready-not nearly mature enough. So, I waited until I was 28 when I moved in with my future wife. Again, from the first time I met her I just knew she was it, another gut feeling I guess.

Almost 12 years in at this point with 3 kids and for the most part life is wonderful.

[JudynTX]

Married at 28 and it will be 10 years tomorrow.

We have the same wedding date! Awesome. Congrats!

[angel_luv]

We have the same wedding date! Awesome. Congrats!

Happy Anniversary to you, too!

[JudynTX]

Happy 5th Anniversary to us! It seems like it was just yesterday that we got married. I truly am lucky to have found the love of my life.

We plan on going downtown today and playing tourists. And probably get a room for the night.

[MB20]

Happy Aniversary PandaSpur!

<< married at 27, 8 years ago.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

We plan on going downtown today and playing tourists. And probably get a room for the night.

cochinos!

[I. Hustle]

Happy 5th Anniversary to us! It seems like it was just yesterday that we got married. I truly am lucky to have found the love of my life.

I plan on going down today and playing with the boys. And probably get a room for the night.

Always play with the boys. It brings added enjoyment.

[EricB]

Im proposing on the 24th of November, so hopefully she says yes

[angel_luv]

Im proposing on the 24th of November, so hopefully she says yes

Congratulations.

[EricB]

Congratulations.

Thank you!

[angel_luv]

Thank you!

Be sure to post your proposal story after it happens. I love those!

[EricB]

Be sure to post your proposal story after it happens. I love those!

Most likely it'll be the ring and thats about it.

Stuff like that probably shouldn't come from me.

[Sense]

Why are people getting married on Halloween?

Anyways... I got married like last year..

Fixing on getting a divorce..

Worst decision of my life so far.

[holcs50]

Well, 28, and not a single thought in my mind about getting married anytime soon. I would say prob around 32/33, but you know how the saying goes "you never know who is going to come along" or at least that's what my mom and sister say. But it's true, my sis who I thought wouldn't get married till 30s for various reasons just got hitched at 26 to a navy pilot-she seems the happiest she's ever been-I'm still in shock she's married. I still have to get past the year barrier with a girl before I even think of marriage. My honest guess is IF I stay with a girl that long she'll probably end up being the one-all others I have been tired of after bout 6 months, but i never gave much effort, still trying to figure out things for myself before I want to settle down.

On another note, just from observation from people I've known. I've always lived on the west coast (mainly socal) and out of say my best 30 guy friends 2 are married and were all around 27-29. Ha. Now some have serious relationships but a lot are also single. It really does seem on the west coast people are really comfortable not getting married till later. East coast I'm not sure don't know enough people to base anything on. But middle America definitely seems to marry a lot younger than out here. I've known quite a few people living in various places and all were married by 25/26. Obviously this isn't always true, but it just seems that way to me.

[Shelly]

Got married at 24 and the man was 22. We were together for 5 years before we got married and it will be 20 years in January.

[JudynTX]

Have any of you renewed your wedding vows?

I want to when we reach our 10th year anniversary.

[angel_luv]

I know I touched on this before... I do think parental input can be valuable when choosing your spouse.
After all, few people have known a person longer than his/ her parents.

But that said, you have to be aware of any prejudices your parents have and how that might dictate the advice they give you.
For example, if your white parents do not want you to marry a black man, they would disapprove of David Robinson even though he is a man of great character and highly successful.

If your perspective fiancee's parents want their child to marry someone who is college educated, they might try to talk their son out of someone who does not have a degree even if she makes a good living.

I have learned how very valuable parental support- I.E. a listening ear, frequent, loving encouragement, and the no- strings- attached perspective of someone who has been where I am- is in a marriage.

[CosmicCowboy]

Just be careful. You get married, get an apartment, get some bills to pay and next thing you know she will be wanting to stay home and make meatloaf.

[CosmicCowboy]

Got married at 24 and the man was 22. We were together for 5 years before we got married and it will be 20 years in January.

You're only 44?

[clambake]

Just be careful. You get married, get an apartment, get some bills to pay and next thing you know she will be wanting to stay home and make meatloaf.