Early engagement and marriage?

Question

Hi y'all. Just wanted your opinions on early engagement/marriage. I'm 18 and graduated early from High school. I've been dating my precious man for a year and a half now. We are considering engagement pretty soon and then marriage maybe a year after engagement. I would be young, but that is the purpose of a bit longer engagement, so that I could spend lots of time with my parents and learn more things from them.

I feel like God is calling us to do this, but I know so many people look down on early marriages. He will take over his dad's business of orthotics and prosthetics. And I will get a masters in Information Technology. He is 19.

I'd really like some opinions. (: it's a big decision! We feel we would work better together because we are starting a big ministry on the state college near us. And we can be more hospitable to people around us if we have our own place together. Plus we want to experience the ups and downs of life together.

I am an extrovert and sometimes pessimistic. He is an introvert and mostly optimistic. We have always been told we compliment each other well.

Sorry for rambling, please reply if you have any thoughts!! Thanks!!!

Answer

Sounds like you have put a lot of thought and prayer into this and already have a good idea of where you're going in life. Not entirely sure why you're asking on Glow, especially after the teenager rants on here, but most of the arguments don't apply to you. Congrats, by the way!☺️

Answer

Just from reading your post you sound level headed about it. I'm 19 and would love to be married and get my family started now I'd rather experience my ups and downs with my SO than without.

Answer

I was 20 when I got engaged. 22 when we got married. I've known my hubby nearly my entire life. One thing I will tell you that I wish I had listened to was to finish college first. I was so worried about making money to take care of responsibilities that I let school just fall back. I am 25 and now finally have my head straight and am going back to school. Hubby has not gone back yet since one of us has to finish. Unless you plan on staying with your parents during the beginnings of your marriage I would suggest to wait.

Answer

I always see getting married and starting a family as different things. If it feels right, I say go for it. :) And maybe think about children after you finish school. I only speak from experience... Lol

Answer

It is impossible for us to make that judgement based on a post. Marriage and independence are huge steps. Will you be capable of paying for housing, food, and other bills? Will you have the self discipline to continue in school with all the distractions of marriage? What will you do about children? All the precautions in the world except abstinence have a risk of failure and guess what most strong marriages involve? Abstinence won't be much of an option. I say all this from experience. I was engaged at 17, married at 18. It took me an extra 5 years to get my degree because of marriage related distractions. We were careful and lucky and only got pregnant after we both had our degrees and our first house. Just some things to think about.

Answer

My husband and I got engaged at 17. Crazy crazy young, but I wouldn't change it. He was supposed to wait until we were done with college, but I'm glad he didn't. We got married at 21 after postponing it several times due to finances and once because of my evil stepsister ( that's a whole different story though...) Honestly, being married while still in college and being young has been rough, but fun and we still learn new things about each other every day. If getting engaged and married feels right then go for it. I know that for me there wasn't any point looking any farther. :) (We are 24 now, btw)

Answer

Everyone will have a different opinion, all I want to say is whatever you do will be your choice and no one else's.

At 18 y'all have plenty of time to get married after y'all graduate college, and will have stable jobs and can buy a home big enough for a growing family.

If y'all choose to marry young I pray that y'all understand how much work goes into a marriage. It's not always easy, it's not always fun, but when you're with your soulmate it's worth the struggle.

Good luck and God bless you and whatever your future holds.

Answer

I think marriage is an institution and blessing from God! If this is something you have really prayed over and discussed as a couple, I think it's wonderful!! :) yay for you for finding a godly man who will work with you and seek God through the ups and downs! Marriage isn't about being grown or knowing it all, you'll get to grow together and share this part of your life with your partner. I think it rocks and you'd be an awesome role model :)

Early engagement and marriage?

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