Early Twenties Too Young To Say 'I Do'?

By drodriguez Sep 30, 2011

A recent SheSpeaks poll reveals that almost 60% of our members think that between the ages of 25 and 29 is the perfect time for nuptials. Only about 11% feel 18 to 24 year olds should be planning a wedding and there may be a good reason for this.

Though there is no magic number for when you should tie the knot, research does show that your marriage has a better chance of surviving if you wait to make that commitment until you are in your mid-twenties or later. The fact that many women have already been through college by the time they turn 25 could have something to do with marriage success.

A Cosmopolitan magazine report points out some research that reveals women with more education usually have more lasting relationships than women who have received less schooling. Terri Orbuch, PhD, author of Five Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great, reveals why women who already have college degrees fare better in marriages. Orbuch says, “Educated women tend to be more confident about who they are and less willing to settle for a man who doesn’t meet their standards”

Just the fact that we are a little older and wiser once we reach our mid-twenties probably has a lot to do with a lasting marriage too. By the time most women reach 25 they know who they are and have enough dating experience to know who would make the best long term partner.

What age do you think is the right time to get married?

Why do you think people who marry at 25 or older have a better chance of staying together?

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Comments

by PunkyNVS | Grafton, WV

Sep 30, 2011

I was also married young. I was 22 and my husband 23. We will soon celebrate our 8 year anniversary. I'm not saying that it has been easy. Not at all! But when you love each other enough, you make it work. We just bought a new house and have a 2 year old daughter and I couldn't be happier. You just know when the time is right. You both have to be mature enough for the marriage. I personally know 40 year olds who I don't think are mature enough to be married. I don't think you can put an actual age because everyone's maturity level is different. Each situation is completely unique.

by msfriendly | MONROE, WI

Sep 30, 2011

I married when I was 23 years old....and we've been married for 28 years now! I think if you are a mature young twenty-something, than it doesn't matter. BUT you have to be in the mindset to really commit and WORK at your marriage. So many people take the attitude that if it doesn't work, we'll just divorce...those are the people who should not be getting married!

by fishersonia | TEMECULA, CA

Sep 30, 2011

Marriage is for when you are ready.Ready for forever and honestly ready for "for better or worse" (oh dear, because we know there can be worse!). Personally, I married at 21. We celebrated our 5 year and have a 2 year old son. Though we have had our ups and downs, we are still together and happy. In all, I love the fact that we did start dating at 19 and were married "young", as most people tell us. For us, it was the right thing to do. We wanted to buy a house, have children and retire young in order to THEN live our lives with the love of little grandkids around us. :) Crazy plan for a 21 year old? Yes, I agree now that I am 26. But for us...we were committed and we discussed that the word "divorce" was not in our book and that we would both give each other the common decency to tell one another if we were slipping, no matter how hard it was to speak of. I am proud to tell my kids on day that mama and dada were in it for the long haul and I pray they are able to do the same.