Cohabitation Concerns #7

 Hello peeps, I personally loved this topic, I learned a ton! First, I must admit that I had this plan I was going to get married at 25 and have my first kid at 28. Dumb right? God had other plans anyway. Turns out that being married earlier is beneficial. It allows you to adjust together. The longer you wait, the more set in your ways you’re going to be. It was interesting to learn that the average age of getting married is getting older.

Getting married, often the couple puts off having children because they want to try to accomplish everything. As far as, education, job, housing. People try to make sure everything is cozy and comfortable. The problem with that is it is never going to seem like the right time. Especially if the average age for women is older. Women may have a hard time conceiving a child.

Another advantage of getting married earlier is the potential for longer and more fulfilling married life. Couples who marry young have more time to experience the joys of companionship, parenthood, and grandparenthood. This extended period of togetherness allows them to create lasting memories and deeper emotional bonds. Additionally, marrying earlier might enable couples to enjoy their empty-nest years while still being relatively young and active, making it easier to pursue hobbies, travel, and other interests as a couple.

Early marriage can foster personal growth and maturity. Taking on the responsibilities of marriage can encourage individuals to develop essential life skills, such as communication, compromise, and problem-solving, which are vital for a successful and enduring partnership. Again later in life, the marriage is, the harder the comprise is going to seem. Marriage also provides a supportive environment for personal development, allowing each partner to pursue their goals while having a reliable companion to share life's triumphs and challenges.

Let’s talk about the fact that people who cohabitate are more likely to get divorced. When couples move in together without the formal commitment of marriage, they may view the relationship as more disposable. This mindset can make it easier for either partner to walk away when faced with challenges, as they have not made a public and legal commitment to each other.

Couples who cohabitate may face higher expectations and pressures after marriage. When living together, partners may develop a false sense of security, assuming that marriage will be similar to their cohabitation. However, marriage brings new responsibilities, legal implications, and societal expectations that can lead to unanticipated stress and conflicts, potentially increasing the likelihood of divorce

Another critical aspect is the selection effect. Couples who choose to cohabitate before marriage may already have different attitudes toward commitment and marriage compared to those who prefer not to cohabitate. Those with lower levels of commitment might be more inclined to cohabitate and may also be more likely to view divorce as an acceptable option when difficulties arise.

It is essential to note that while cohabitation may be linked to a higher divorce rate, individual circumstances and factors play a significant role in the success of any marriage. Some couples who cohabitate before marriage can have long-lasting and fulfilling marriages. The key lies in open communication, shared values, commitment, and a willingness to work through challenges together.

From studies, its been indicated that people who cohabitate before marriage are more likely to face divorce when married. Factors such as a convenience-oriented mindset, higher expectations, lack of preparation, and the selection effect contribute to this increased risk. However, it is essential to remember that individual situations vary, and successful marriages are possible regardless of cohabitation history. Building a strong foundation based on mutual respect, communication, and commitment remains crucial for any couple seeking a lasting and fulfilling marriage.