In many Latin American countries and the Carribean it seems common. , Yet in North American culture it seems to upset people.
Usually the man is more mature at this age and can financially support a family better at this stage in his life.
2007-02-10 05:25:11 · 46 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
This question is in theory , I have dated women 10 to 15 years younger though.
2007-02-10 05:33:43 · update #1
Many are assuming I live in the USA I do not. And again this question is in theory.
2007-02-10 06:07:33 · update #2
If you are in love and she seems mature enough to accept the responsibilities of marriage and children, then I say it it's not wrong at all. I think the problem here is entirely cultural. This practice isn't as common in North America and so it probably upsets people because they are not used to seeing older and younger spouses. It is definitely more common in Latin/South America and people don't look twice there because they are used to it.
The bottom line is that it's a personal decision and no one has the right to judge you, your partner, or the validity of your marriage (as long as it's legal, of course). It's also a major breech of etiquette to ask someone about their age differences. You might get those questions, but the trick is to handle such intrusions with tact and grace.
Saying that 18 is too young to marry is ridiculous because it really depends on the lady and her level of maturity. I've known 18 year olds that are ready to handle the great responsibilities that come with marriage. I've also known 18 year old girls that have the maturity level of a baboon. Many girls need a few years to "sow their wild oats" before they're ready to start thinking about marriage. Other girls emerge from adolescence ready to start a family, it really just depends on the girl. You should really assess her maturity level and her reputation before proposing marriage to her. An irresponsible girl who loves to party, get drunk with her girlfriends, and flirt openly will not be happy with the constraints that marriage puts on her. She will be even less happy if she gets pregnant and has kids because she will no longer be able to do those things. These girls either grow up quickly and deal with it, or sulk and blame their husbands for ending their partying too early and contemplate divorce. It happens all the time.
2007-02-10 07:40:28 · answer #1 · answered by Hez 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
What matters is if the two people are in the same place/level in life. Most likely, very very very likely, the person who has 36 has experienced so much more than the 18 year old person. Think about all the huge changes that happened in your life from age 18 to 36. Now imagine if none of that ever happened. Well, would you really want to steal all of that away from the 18 year old?
In America, we have certain rights of passage as in other countries- such as: going to college, partying at college and making friends, graduating, maybe going back again, internships, starting your career.... and there are usually a lot more exciting things inbetween. Why not let the 18 year experience life just as you were able to. Honestly here in America, the statistics of divorce are high and even higher if you marry young. Well influenced by all the stuff I mentioned before, the girl you are marrying at 18 years old will not be the same person when she is a bit older, whereas at your age.. your mostly likely set in your ways and experience has quite greatly made you the person you are today.
2007-02-10 08:28:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legally no it is not wrong for a man and woman to marry. It may be a bit odd since the woman is still young and still considered as teenager in some countries. It wouldn't hurt to wait a couple years before the woman marries a 30-somethin years old man, even though a lot people saying age ain't nothing but a number. For some people i guess it is true. Legally it is not wrong for man and woman to marry at that age difference- although it might be a bit strange to the society. It isn't easy picking out the right guy as well. (i'm still looking for my Mr. Right) Hope this is helpful.
2007-02-10 05:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by greenhousethugz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she's legal so if they are in love i think it's ok. and it is true a man is more mature and stable at that point, but at 18 i don't think most women are mature enough for marriage or a family. most 18 year olds still want to go out all the time and party... an 18 and a 36 year old are at completely different stages in their life. so if they can make that part work or if she's mature for her age then yeah it's fine.
2007-02-10 06:07:52 · answer #4 · answered by akp_02 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It totally depends on the maturity of the individuals and their purpose for getting married.
If they do marry, as they get older it will become more acceptable to others. Think of it this way... 60/40 doesn't sound as bad as 40/20. Why? Because people think the 20 is too immature to make the choice or looking for a "father-figure", and the 40 just wants a trophy wife or someone he can "mold" into what he wants.
If they are mature and truly "in love", the rest of the world will just have to deal with it if they have a problem with it. Ignore them.
Age is irrelevant in eternity.
2007-02-10 05:36:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Age is nothing but a number. You just have to make sure you both are going to come to an understanding on some things because he's at been there done that stage and you haven't even lived yet and that could cause a problem. Though he probably is more financially stable he's at a different time in life than you are.
2007-02-10 05:31:23 · answer #6 · answered by diamoniquejazz 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What would a 36 year old man have in common with an 18 year old girl?
Well...let me tell you.... Right about next to nothing...
Females in North America don't NEED a man to survive. We are very capable of raising and supporting a family without a man if need be. I suppose that would be the huge difference between North America (the United States anyway) and other countries.
2007-02-10 05:33:12 · answer #7 · answered by ~Me~ 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It seems a little odd to me. It just doesn't seem like the interests and maturity level would be the same with this age difference at these ages. It would lead me to think that the man would do this so he could control the woman and be more like a father figure in the relationship.
2007-02-10 05:29:51 · answer #8 · answered by mom of twins 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To me it is wrong for many reasons. Firstly attractions has a big effect on love and a 36 year old in naturally going to look less attractive than an 18 year old. 18 year olds are also not mentally at the same level when your 36 life is starting to settle and you want to lay back but when your 18 you wan to go clubbing and have a fun time so i don't think it can work.
2007-02-10 05:31:49 · answer #9 · answered by siddiq 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We wonder why a mature man would want to marry a woman so young. Usually there is little in common other than sex. But if the two of you are indeed compatible enough and willing to make such a life commitment to each other, then go for it. And best of luck to you!
2007-02-10 05:30:57 · answer #10 · answered by weddrev 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋