Dear Christine:
MY BOYFRIEND and I want to get married.
I am 19 years old and he is 22. We were both products of teenage marriages. Our parents met at secondary school, married early and had us in their early 20s.
They have stayed together and are happy. However, both sets of parents have “warned” us not to be tied down so young; that we should have more experience before selecting a mate.
We don’t see the point in playing the field when I am all ready to be with with the man I wholeheartedly love and enjoy and he has vowed his love for me.
Are our parents being wise?
–D.W.D.
Dear D.W.D:
I understand their concern and maybe they faced many challenges during those early years. Personally, I know a few couples who tied the knot between the ages of 17 and 23 and they are still together, celebrating 40 to 50 years of marriage.
This notion that you have to try ten different cows before you decide which milk you like best goes against the grain of abstaining until marriage and encourages promiscuity to some degree.
If you are both absolutely sure about your future, go ahead and “jump the broom” so to speak.
You’re old enough to do so, without seeking your parents’ advice.
– CHRISTINE
