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That was easy.
Seriously, though, there's no simple number that I can give you. However, there are signs that give you a good idea as to whether or not you are ready to get married. I'm going to make it easy and give you a pair of lists that have all of the signs you need.
You should get married if:
-You can pay for it yourself or your parents have made it clear that they want to pay for it.
-You really, truly love the man (or woman) and can imagine a long and wonderful future with him (or her).
-You are both in agreement about children. Seriously, be in agreement about children.
-You both have similar ideas about where you want to live (part of country, city vs. suburb vs. rural).
-You can tolerate your in-laws.
-You never go to sleep angry at the other person.
You shouldn't get married if:
-It will put you into debt.
-Everyone on Earth but you thinks it's a horrendous idea.
-You definitely want children and he definitely doesn't, or vice versa.
-You really like your boyfriend, but aren't sure you love him.
-If you feel as if you have to because society/your friends/your family is putting pressure on you.
-You have very different plans for your future.
-You're constantly fighting over big, important things like money or where to live.
These two lists aren't, of course, exhaustive, but I think they get my points across. If marriage will make your and your boyfriend's life better, then get married. If you're not yet there, then wait. You don't get bonus points for marrying early, and you don't get any penalties for marrying late. Do what's best for you and your boyfriend. That's your first, and only, priority.
Hey MM,
What's up?
I recently got engaged in August and am getting married in April 2013.
My fiance is a very caring and responsible man. Its long distance since he lives in USA and I am not. Before the engagement, he would chat with me every day for hours after work.
Even a month after getting engaged, we used to chat, text, video chat, and call each other daily for hours in the evening.
My concerns are my fiance has got very busy with his business and a new store opening up in end of this year.
Also, he has always had this strict discipline of not taking/answering messages or calls at work.
This limits our communication a lot. As much close I am to his family and my in-laws, and knowing that his parents are doing most of the wedding planning and preparations, I still feel the need to get his input, talk to him about the wedding, since I am so excited about it.
I did bring it up to him in an email in September, that it is getting difficult for me, and he is pushing me away by making me feel not important and not needed.
Things have improved after that, and he is making efforts. But we still hardly chat for 15-20 mins a day, with no calls at all.
We hardly talk once in the week on call for few minutes and facetime once in 2 weeks or so.
That said, my gut feeling keeps telling me he is either taking me for granted, thinking I will take all his laziness, or somethings fishy.
I would love to have your opinion on this.
Thanks.