What is the right age to get married?

If you are in your mid-20’s, you know very well the pressure from everyone to settle down. But is that the right age to get married? Does age have anything to do with marriage in the first place?

Well, it does and does not.

In most cases, you have just finished studies and are not yet on a stable career path or income. You are not sure about your path in life, and dragging someone else along in myriad directions may not work out. True maturity rarely occurs before 25 years.

Post 25 would be an ideal time to get married. But it doesn’t have to be a thumb rule. Just be aware of the following factors:

Emotional Maturity

You need to be aware of your own emotions and actions, and its consequences on people around you. Your state of mind must be mentally ready to share your life sensibly and lovingly with your partner. 

Financial Stability 

One needs a steady source of income to support a family. You should be earning enough to take care of necessities, and yet be at a stage where you have adequate savings. 

Biological kids

That is a couple’s decision whether to freeze the eggs or get pregnant while they are still viable. Or do they want to adopt? Do they not want kids? Your age, however does play a role in this factor. But this shouldn’t be a reason to get married to your partner. 

Of course, all of this is subjective. That is why there will never be one standard age for everyone. Although, a study from the University of Utah suggests the ideal age for marriage is between 28-32 years. Divorce rates are also lowest for people who married in this age range.

In India, the average age of a woman getting married is 22 and a man getting married is 26. But things are slowly changing with the focus shifting to career and higher studies.

At this point in life, many of you would be settled in your career, would be mature enough for a serious relationship, and know your needs and wants. Additionally, societal and parental pressure to marry before you turn 27 years, is very much alive.

Let them not dictate when you should settle down. That is entirely up to you, as it should be. If you think you’re ready for that level of commitment, go for it. Otherwise, calmly sit down with your parents and explain to them why you do not want to marry right away. It might help.

In conclusion, only marry when you are ready. The right age to get married is that which you have decided for yourself.