Do you think 19 is too young to marry?

Question

My 19 year old nephew is marrying his 19 year old girlfriend in December. He is currently serving in the Navy. I feel as though it's just a bit too young to be marrying according to today's standards? I am hoping his marragie will work out ok - do you think 19 is too young to marry?
thanks!

Answer 1

I don't think there is an age to marry. People have to do it because they want to and when it feels right for them.

Answer 2

My husband and I were both 19 when we got married. We've been married for over 6 years now, In some ways it was harder we kind of grew up together. I don't think it's to young though so far out of the 8 or 9 couples I know who got married young only 2 are divorced, and they would have been divorced if they'd married at 19 or 29. It all depends on the couple. You should support them in this decision. Trust me. Good Luck to them.

Answer 3

I have an aunt who got married when she was 17 and her husband was 18. They're in their 70s now and still married. If they really love one another there isn't a problem. Usually people wait out of financial reasons, but if he's in the navy they have enough money to have a place to live so I don't see the problem. If he's in the military he is probably quite responsible and mature for his age. It's also possible that because of the dangers in his job he wants to start a family sooner, if he is afraid he could get injured at work.

Answer 4

No 19 is not too young, but of course that depends on the maturity of the people.
If they know they are meant to be together and are truly in love why should anyone query their right or devotion to each and question them getting get married?
I have known marriages of people in their teens that are still ongoing many years later, while others are just a disaster (some people do not listen to reason) and have fallen apart very quickly.
I would say that if your nephew and you are close just have a word with him and gauge his reactions then either give your blessings to them or voice your opinions, but I wouldn't try to stop them by suggesting that hey are too young.
On closing I would like to wish them all the best in their decision.
Sorry to go on.

Answer 5

In general I don't think it's too young. I do think it's too young to marry into the military. On top of the general young people growing pains they also have to add frequent & long separations & ungodly work schedules just to name a few potential problems. His girlfriend needs to really be sure that this is what she wants. Likewise your nephew needs to make sure that he is willing to commit the rest of his life to this woman. If it's really meant to happen there's no harm in waiting a little longer just to make sure. At the very least I'd wait until they've made it through him being out to sea with flying colors TWICE before getting married.

Answer 6

Some people today think they should 'try out' marriage, with the notion that "If it doesn't work out, we can always get a divorce."
I'm not saying they should or shouldn't, but they should definately get some pre-marital counseling and even independant couseling to access why they want to get married at such a young age. Is it because one or both are emotionally needy? Is it because they want to have sex? Is it because he just feels it's "time" to get married? Did she simply make this as a demand of him and he's good to go along with it for peace sake?

Honestly, I think it should be federal law that couples who are engaged can not get a marriage licence (legal married in the USA) unless they have completed 6 months of weekly pre-marital couseling on what marriage is about, what the expectations are and what divorce entails.

Answer 7

I know it is a different time, but my parents married when they were 19 and that was 31 years ago. They are still together and all over each other (which is kinda gross for us kids! - he he).
The military job does add an extra element though...
I hope your nephew's marraige turns out the same way as my parents and that they live a long and happy life together.

Answer 8

I was 18 and my husband to be was 20 and we have been married 43 years. I have friends who have stayed married that long, but it is becoming less common. A lot depends on maturity and understanding the give and take of marriage. He may have matured in the navy. She may have realized when he went away that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. It is totally up to them, but I hope she is prepared for him to be away. If he makes the military a career, he can't promise to be there for any important event, such as the birth of his first child.

Answer 9

Maybe but if he is in the Navy he is old enough to die for his country.He should be able to get married.I got married at 13 again at 15 and the last time at 19.The last one we were together for over 20 years.Good luck.

Answer 10

Depends how mature they are and how well they are prepared for the ups and downs of marriage. I met my husband when I was 15. almost 10 years later we are still together. (no we did not get married at 15, we waited until we were 23).
Good luck to your nephew!

Answer 11

It depends. There are two elders at my church who married in their teens; one married his sixteen year old bride when he was but seventeen. He went on to serve a fantastic career in the military, eventually working his way up to Green Beret Colonel.

Together, they raised a beautiful family, and have quite a handsome retirement plan.

They've been married for 50+ years!

So... depends on the person(s), and the characters of the persons involved. I'm marrying my fiancee' when she is but 19, and I 20, but even my pastor and elders put faith in our characters to make it work.