As those of you who read my introduction to the marriage section know, I married my high school sweetheart. We began dating when I was only fifteen. We dated throughout high school with a few break-ups along the way. We married after graduating from college. Therefore my husband and I have been married for seven years but have been together as a couple for fourteen years.
I have dated other people but not seriously. I have never been in a true lengthy relationship with any other person than my husband. I know several other couples with this same situation. If I am correct, I think Courtney also married her high school sweetheart.
So is it really a good idea for high school sweethearts to marry?
Things have worked out well for me so I cannot truthfully say “no”. I married my high school sweetheart and we have a happy marriage. There have been rough roads and bumps along the way but we have always come through them.
However, I can see how our lengthy, youthful relationship and dating has caused some issues that likely would have been avoided had our relationship started later in life.
Priorities and perspectives on life change tremendously from the time you are in high school until the time that you graduate from college. As a high school student, I did not consider the type of person that I would like to have as a husband and father to my children. Interests and personal needs also change from teen years to adult. These changes and differences can break a marriage.
Marrying a high school sweetheart can be a wonderful experience. However, be prepared to see your mate change ideas, priorities, and perspectives throughout your years together. Also be prepared to adjust, discuss, and adapt to these changes.
When the Family Man is not a Family Man