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Is There an Ideal Age to Get Married?
“When did you get married?”
It was a simple question that would be harmless to most people except that in this case it was “Today Show” host Meredith Vieira asking her co-host Matt Lauer, who is bordering on Ross Gellar levels of serial marriage and divorce. Although things got a little awkward, Lauer seemed unruffled by Vieira’s slip.
Vieira, who married in her 30s, represents a growing segment of the population who is delaying marriage. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, the average age for first marriages is almost 26 for women and 28 for men, which is the oldest age for marriage since the U.S. Census was started. But is this trend of delaying marriage improving relationships?
Experts are mixed on whether waiting to get married ultimately decreases the risk of divorce. Most experts agree that marrying before age 20 is likely to lead to divorce because the individuals are still in the process of self-discovery. But after that, couples who marry in their 20s run about the same risk for divorce as couples who marry in their 30s.
What do you think is the ideal age to get married?
I also don't believe there is a "right" age to get married. I truly think it depends on the people involved. I got married in my 30s, and my sister got married in her 20s. I wouldn't say either one of us is happier in her marriage than the other. I also have friends and family members that have gotten divorced at various ages, so again - I really think it depends on how mature the people are, if they're willing to work through the tough times, communicate, etc.
I also agree that age is but a number and shouldn't be a factor. You hear about when people get married, there are those old couples that have been together forever say 'oh, they're so young!' or 'they're much too young for that kind of commitment!'. There is a couple in their 50's or 60's who got married at 16! Myself, I got married at 19, and have been with the love of my life over 5 years now. (And we only knew each other for 2 months when we got married.) We just bought our first house, we have 2 beautiful children and are extremely happy!! :) Age-definatly not an issue. Maturity-the biggest factor.
I really think age shouldn't be a factor. Its all about how strong the relationship is. People seem to marry for the wrong reasons as we see in our astronomical divorce rate in the US.
Maturity and relationship are the top two that I think should come into play.
I think it's a case-by-case basis for sure. For me personally, I'm not completely sold on the idea of marriage period, so I know I might be one of those gals who puts it off. The non-committal type I guess...
That video of Matt and Meredith is priceless.
I don't know that there's a right age for marriage. I do know that if I'd married the man I'd planned to wed at 21, we'd not have made it. But that might have less to do with age and more with incompatibility? It's really such an individual decision.