I was barely into my twenties when my husband 'put a ring on it', and only 16 when I met him for the first time. I wasn't the type of child to idealise my wedding day while draping a pillow case over my head, and even as a teenager I was certainly never described as 'boy-crazy', yet I have just celebrated my five year wedding anniversary at the ripe old age of 27.
I shouldn't have to defend my life choices to anyone, but I would like to set the record straight (on behalf of my fellow young brides as well as myself) by rebutting some of the most common preconceptions held by the masses on those who marry young.
1. Yes I am aware that you are thinking it won't last, but are you aware that you are wrong? Age is no guarantee of maturity, and youth is no guarantee of a divorce.
2. No, this wasn't necessarily part of my 'plan', but life is unpredictable. Some people find their soul mate at 17, some at 70- Mr Right just stumbled into the picture ahead of society's schedule.
3. Our youthful nuptials do not mean I was/am pregnant, so don't even go there unless you want to send me into a body image tailspin. Funnily enough there are other reasons to get married- love, for one.
4. My coupled status does not mean my life is now perfect. Single friends may think smug marrieds have no right to moan, but believe me we do - husbands can't fix the recession, job market, or money woes…though the hugs on tap certainly help.
5. Until your other friends catch you up down the aisle you officially become the 'married-one' - there are worse titles to have, admittedly, but there is more to me than a sparkly ring.
6. Yes I was nervous - but about the wedding planning malarkey rather than my choice of husband - If I had any doubts I would never have said 'I do'.
7. I realise I will be missing out on the delights of one-night-stands in my twenties, but funnily enough I am ok with this. Chances are if you agree to spend your life with a man, you actually quite like having sex with him.
8. My parents approve, actually. They were totally unsurprised and supportive when I told them I was going to be a 'Mrs'- and since when has parental disapproval been a deciding factor in choosing your partner? Exactly.
9. I wasn't 'rushing into things', speeding headfirst into a commitment that calls for timely contemplation. I married my husband on our five year anniversary, it just so happened that said anniversary fell slightly shy of my 23rd birthday.
10. People can raise their judgemental eyebrows and crow 'how OLD are you?!' all they want when the revelation that I am a married woman drops, but no, I have no regrets - I am simply very, very, lucky.
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