When should I start to consider marriage?

Question

I am 24 years old and a law student. My girlfriend, whom I've known for a year, but only officially dated for a few months is a teacher. I just started school and now we live 4 hours (driving) from each other. She has planned to move down hear once this school year is over. This is not (by far) my first relationship, but this is BY FAR my most meaningful. I have never cared about someone more than I do for this girl, and something deep down inside of me says she is the one. At what point in my life do I consider marriage? Do I wait until I graduate 3 years from now? Her life is stable (she has a job but planning to relocate to me in a year) financially. I think we are both mature for our ages, especially since we are doing the long distance thing (and its working out well). I truly think, deep down inside (and for the first time in my life) i know she is the one. What do i do? What should I consider? HELP!

Answer 1

It looks like you are really being thoughtful, and real in your thinking. If your gal is planning to move to be near you, after this school year is over(June2007), fine. This is plenty of time to see if this relationship can stand the long distance and the test of time.
I'm in my mid 40's, and if you were my son, I would say the same thing.
See her, love her, and wait it out, and tell her, as time goes by, that if all goes well, through the school year, with visits, and all, you will BOTH know for sure, if marriage is the next step.
If you both are still in love and know you want to be together forever, you'll know.
I don't see why you should put off marriage just because you will have a few more years to graduate, plenty of law students marry while still in school, and from your heartfelt and emotional expressions here, I would be surprised if you let her move to be near you next year, and not make a commitment.
Right now, don't focus on whether to marry or not, focus on your relationship, and the comming school year, after that, see how it goes. I hope the best for you, you sound like a terrific young man, with a bright future, and no matter what happens, remember that.
Take care!

Answer 2

If you love her, propose now, or at least start planning to. It will be nearly impossible to plan a wedding during your first year of law school, but you will be able to in your second year if you want to get married during your summer recess (that is what I am planning on doing). Or, you could wait until you graduate, but that is a long time to wait. I suggest start saving for a ring (which is really hard when you are in school) and propose when you feel it's right. Then you can plan with her when you should get married.

Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 3

Go with your gut. But please consider finishing school first.
You can consider marriage at any point in your adult life. But try to live some first. Get to know her better. Your knowledge of her as a person and as a potential wife is not defined in 4 months. You still have a lot to learn about each other! If it's meant to be, it will all work out.

Answer 4

It sounds to me like you are both very mature adults. The fact that you have obviously given a great deal of thought to the situation goes a long way to show just how ready you are. Trust your instincts.... and congratualtions in advance!

Answer 5

I think that you should just ask her! Finances should not determine when you get married to someone. Money is always around but the person that you truely love is not always going to be around unless you marry them!

Answer 6

I don't really think she is the one, if she was you wouldn't be asking the question.

Answer 7

When you grow up