When the Honeymoon Ends: Why Settling Down Too Early Can Lead to Divorce

Let's start with a fact, folks.

The average age for marriage in the United States has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In 1960, the average age for men to get married was 22.8, and for women, it was 20.3. But in 2023, those numbers have risen to 29.8 for men and 27.8 for women, and we have only just started this year. Who wants to commit to just one person when there's a whole world of options? It's like people are finally catching on that there's no need to rush into settling down. Double income is nice but isn’t always better.

But, of course, there are always those who can't resist societal pressure. Who wouldn't want to be like all the happy couples they see on social media and in movies, right? So what if they're only partially satisfied with their partner? At least they can say they're in a committed relationship and not falling behind in the race to get married and have kids by the time they hit 30.

But here's a thought, folks. Every relationship is different. Some people are ready to settle in their early 20s, while others prefer to wait until their 40s or 50s. It's not rocket science; it's about finding what works for you. And if you're settling down too early because of fear and income, that's just plain sad. Fear of being alone, missing out on the "perfect" partner, and being unable to start a family are all pretty shitty reasons to rush into a commitment.

Now, let's talk about the downsides of settling down too early. First, you might miss out on experiences you would have had if you were single, bye to potential one-night stands and freedom. Who needs to travel, try new hobbies, and meet new people when you're in a committed relationship? That’s just for losers. And if you settle down with the wrong person, you could end up feeling trapped and resentful. Plus, let's remember the financial aspect. Getting married and starting a family can be expensive, and if you're not ready for it, it can lead to a lot of stress and debt.

So, how can you tell if you're settling down too early because of desperation? Look for these warning signs:

• You're not completely happy with your partner, but you're afraid to end the relationship.

• You're feeling pressure from family and friends to get married or start a family.

• You're not entirely sure what you want out of life, but you're hoping that settling down will provide some clarity.

• You feel that extra income will make things better before you truly know this person (Money doesn’t buy happiness, remember).

If any of these apply to you, it might be time to reassess your situation.

Because let's face it, nothing screams "I'm in a happy, fulfilling relationship" quite like blasting the Gram and Facebook and settling for someone you don't even like that much.

But hey, it's not all bad news. If you're happy in your relationship and ready to settle down, go for it! Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. And if you're not quite ready, that's okay too. Take your time, enjoy your independence, and don't let societal pressure dictate your choices.

Settling down too early because of desperation is a common mistake many people make. But with some introspection and self-reflection, you can avoid this pitfall and find a partner who makes you truly happy.

The decision to settle down is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer, and it's all about finding what works for you. So, whether you're in a committed relationship, happily single, or somewhere in between, remember that the most important thing is to be true to yourself.

And for those of you who are still on the fence about settling down, here are a few more stats to consider. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 57% of adults in the United States believe cohabitation is a good idea before marriage. And when it comes to the divorce rate, studies show that getting married later in life is associated with a lower risk of divorce. So, if you need more time to be ready to tie the knot, don't worry. There's plenty of time.

Ultimately, settling down is personal, But if you decide to take the plunge, ensure you're doing it because it's what you want, not because you feel like you have to. Enjoy your independence, explore your options, and remember that happiness matters most. And if you're not ready yet, that's okay too.

Now, I'll leave you with a question: Have you ever felt pressured to settle down early? If so, what did you do? Let me know in the comments below, and remember to follow us on social media for more relationship tips and advice.

Thanks for reading! And remember, just because everyone else is getting married doesn't mean you have to. Do you, boo, do you.