Many young men and women wonder about what the average age of marriage is, and what is the right age to get married. As young people wait longer to marry, there is growing debate over whether waiting is a good idea, and if so, how long is best. Those who advocate marriage in the early to mid-20s say that's the age when the pool of possible mates is larger, it's when couples can "grow up" together and it's prime for childbearing. But others favor the late 20s or early 30s, saying maturity makes for happier unions and greater economic security.

In support of older marriages a research by sociologist Paul Amato of Pennsylvania State University found that the delay in marriage is actually a good thing and it actually improved the average marital quality by a fair amount. According to his research older marriages (30s vs. 20s) were more cohesive in the sense they did things more often together as a couple. And couples who married at older ages were less likely to report thinking about divorce or that their marriage was in trouble.

There is such a lot of confusion about ideal time for marriage these days; people are more concerned with their own self-development than they used to be. People are postponing marriage until everything in their lives is working in order. The order means after you've finished your education, perhaps after beginning your career, and increasingly after you've lived with your partner. They're postponing marriage until they think they're ready for it. In a nutshell there is no ideal or perfect age for marriage. But instead of asking yourself what the best age to get married is, it's better to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you completed your studies?
2. Are you financially stable?
3. If your parents/siblings are financially dependent on you, have you taken that into consideration?
4. Can you take additional responsibilities by starting a new family?
5. Do you have a secure job or business?
6. Can you take decisions independently?
7. Are you sure if he/she is the one?
8. Do you wish to study further?
9. Are you ready to move in with him or her?
10. Are you prepared to spend the rest of your life with him or her?

11. Do you trust your partner totally?

12. Is your financial condition known to her and vice-versa?

13. Do you know what your budget will look like if you have a baby soon after marriage?

14. Do you like and respect his/her family members?

15. Are you honestly happy with your chosen one?

16. Can you talk about any critical issue with your partner?

17. Are you emotionally ready for marriage?

18. Does your partner share your vision for the future?

19. Do both of you understand each other very well?

20. Does your instinct tell you that you are ready for marriage? Cited: funquizcards, 2011.

So always be cautious. Take time to decide, and give it enough thought. It's easy to sink into the ocean of love. Ultimately marriage can be pleasant, fulfilling or else it can be shocking and icy chill. These questions will give you the answer.

Sources:

• Cosmopolitan

• Hubpages

• funquizcards

Page Created: 27 October 2011