How old were you and how old was your spouse when the two of you got married? The age at which people marry can play a role in the success of their relationships, although there are people who are quite mature or immature for their ages. There are many things that come into play, which determine the level of commitment and the success of a marital bond. I believe it has more to do with being ready to get married than it has to do with age.
I was 27 and my husband was 25 when we got married. We weren’t exactly kids, and I think that’s probably a good thing in my situation. I was not ready for marriage any sooner. Well, I might have been at one time, but after having endured an abusive relationship, I was more than a little gun shy.
By the time I met my husband, I was starting to heal. He too had been through a bad relationship, and the two of us started out just being friends. For the record, I thought he was gorgeous the moment I laid eyes on him, and I knew that someday we would get together. I knew I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t want to make a mistake that could end up keeping us apart. I took my time. He did the same. We talked for hours, laughed constantly, and enjoyed each other’s company. We knew each other very well, including each others’ pasts, long before we became romantically involved.
One night, about two years after first meeting him, we went out for the evening together just like we had done many other times. This night was different, because this time, he kissed me. It took my breath away. I had been waiting a long time for that kiss. Soon we were inseparable, and we were still the best of friends. I knew he was “the one” and I told a friend that he was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life.
“I thought you were never getting married,” she replied. True, I had sworn that I would never marry. I would never trust anyone enough to give myself to him fully. I would never make a legal commitment that would tie me to someone, for the rest of my life, when there was a possibility that I could get hurt again.
I knew when I met my husband that he was different and special and worth getting to know. I instinctively trusted him, despite being one who often second-guessed my own judgments. It may not have been love at first sight exactly, but I knew that behind those big brown eyes, there was a lot more to this man and I had to get to know him.
I’m glad I did, and I’m also glad we waited to get married. While I often ask him, “Where have you been all my life?” I know that waiting was the right choice, and he was definitely worth the wait!