Young Marriage Problems

By Hazel Baker, eHow Contributor

Although young marriages in the United States have declined significantly over the past two decades, many young people each year still make the choice to marry at an early age. While not all of these marriages fail, statistics show that a majority of them do.

Young Marriage Statistics

According to the National Center For Health Statistics, in almost half of all marriages involving a bride who is 18 years old or younger at the time of the marriage, separation or divorce occurs within 10 years. This statistic, coupled with the high divorce rate for all marriages in the United States, does not make the outcome for young marriage appear promising.

Financial Problems

Many couples who marry young face financial difficulties that can place a severe strain on their new relationship. Of course, financial troubles are common among married couples of all ages, but couples who marry during or directly after high school or college are often faced with greater financial difficulties due to fewer job options and other socioeconomic factors.

Emotional Challenges

Studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and other research institutions have shown that most people reach a state of mental maturity at about age 25. Before that time, people make decisions based on emotions and instincts rather than on consequences and objective reasoning. Young people between the ages of 18-24 are typically unprepared for the emotional commitment and the compromise that a marriage requires.

Family Issues

Many people who marry young experience problems in dealing with their new spouse's family. While these difficulties are common in all marriages, lack of social and emotional experience and maturity can make relating to in-laws and relatives more difficult. That is particularly true if the young people are still in the process of learning how to be independent from their own parents.

Making The Choice

Not all young marriages fail, and many develop into deep and lasting relationships. Many however do not. When deciding whether to marry at a young age, consider the financial, emotional and familial issues and implications that go hand and hand with your choices. Consider, as well, your reason for wanting to marry in the first place. People of any age who enter into a marriage with realistic expectations are more likely to achieve a successful outcome.

References iViilage.com

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16