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How long should two people be in a relationship before the idea of marriage is brought up, assuming everything is going well? How much time is necessary in order to know each other well enough to make such a decision? Any real life advice?

Cutiebeauty 9 Jan 23
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33 comments

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4

If you're in doubt, then don't. The right time is when you have no doubts.

4

My gf and I had been seeing one another for several years when I decided that i finally wanted to get married (late 20s). I decided to live with that thought for one year. Nothing came up to change my mind so I asked her, she bought into the idea. That was about 40 years ago, we are very happy, both retired, have 2 natural kids, one daughter-in-law, and a grandson. I would say know the person an absolute minimum of one year year and preferably two before you consider marriage.

OCJoe Level 6 Jan 23, 2019

Great answer. I would agree to that. I takes time to get to know someone. Time is your ally...

3

Time may not be the best measure. More about how they treat you, what is their relationship like with their families and friends. Have you had a fight but we're you able to get through it with you. What are their thoughts on money, life style, the future. Do you feel like you hear each other? Fair fighting, compromise, money and kids. All of those things can screw up a marriage.

3

30-50 years I would say

So about six months... Got it ?

@Cutiebeauty ....Or that...

3

if he doesn't propose by 6:00 pm on the second day of the 23rd week, he's not serious.

how can anyone answer that! do you really think everyone should be on the same schedule? everyone has a different pace at which s/he feels s/he really knows someone. there is no answer that is good for everyone; you can't even say there is an answer that is good for most. it's really such a personal thing.

g

So about six months. . Got it .. Thanks ?

3

My ex asked on the second date. Married 4 months later. While we eventually split, the marriage was pretty great for about 18years, split at 27 yrs. I think it's different for everyone.

2

You can do anything you want with a good prenup!

2

That would depend upon what you do with the time you are together. If you spend time talking about everything, good things and bad, and getting to know each other, then you will know each other sooner than if you spend time doing things together but not really talking about who you are, what your hopes and dreams are, and where you want to be in five to ten years.

Realistically of the right questions were asked and everyone involved was honest with themselves and gave exhaustive answers to those questions, then I think less than a year. Obviously that also requires the people in question to know themselves and what it is they want out of life. Otherwise you might spend a decade with someone and never truly know who they are.

2

Ask yourself, Is the relationship a "good thing"? If it is, why take the chance of screwing up a good thing. I suggest you rent the movie "Out of Africa" with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Listen carefully to what Redford says to Meryl Streep for each reason she insists that they get married. Also note how it all ends...she screws it up by being illogical.

How am I taking a chance of screwing anything up? And you want me to watch a movie? Really? Lol

@Cutiebeauty "If" he is interested in marriage, "he" would bring it up. If you broach the subject and he is negatively inclined relative to marriage, he may end the relationship. As for the movie, if you have seen it, you would understand. Although fiction, (supposedly based on the author's real life experiences), the story line has to do with the very subject for which you have sought input. Ask yourself, what advantage/benefit will marriage bring about that you don't have now? The answers are almost always emotionally based illusions. Marriage changes the dynamic and hardly ever for the better...or there would not be so many divorces (more than 50%)

@dahermit OK. . That makes some sense... I'll think about these issues... Thanks ?

2

I’ve been involved with the same woman for like 19 years, but I really don’t want to rush into something........

2

If the relationship is good, why would anyone want to ruin it with marriage?

Marriage is an antiquated and unnecessary social construct. It's not anything that would make a relationship "better". It's just a legal contract. It's certainly not a guarantee of anything. Any legal benefits obtained through marriage can be easily achieved (and easier to get out of) by drawing up legal documents outlining what each party wants from the arrangement. Divorce is expensive AF, and one stands to lose far more than just their "stuff". Child custody is also easier to deal with.

If anyone believes that marriage "validates" a relationship, perhaps that person
is too immature to even be in a relationship in the first place. Why does a relationship need to be "validated" anyway? Who does that benefit?

If marriage is what a person thinks should be end result of getting into a relationship, perhaps they should make sure their partner agrees with that
LONG before the subject of getting married ever even is brought up.

Would this not depend on what state one lives in also?
What sort of protections can someone give to their SO to mind one's best interest in the event of a life threatening, terminal situation?

I hate to think what it would have been like if my late dh & I had not been married, whatwith the insane vile behavior his mother displayed in the hospital.
It only just recently occurred to me to wonder if I could have kicked her out. The way she behaved in that hospital you'd have thought that's exactly what I'd done. Maybe I should have.

@Qualia Agreed. However, it's not that hard to give power of attorney to an SO, specifically for the reasons you mentioned. People can make their wishes clear, and specifically say that they don't want certain people (family members) having any say in their care, any death arrangements, or the disposition of their belongings after they've died. It takes a rational conversation, and an attorney. That's it.
In-laws can be really hard to deal with. Sorry you had to.
I found out that even if you ARE married, in-laws can be tough to deal with when it comes to sickness and death.

@KKGator Also not sure how the not married thing works out with health insurance etc

And thanks, she's a piece of work. We're estranged as a result and now she's directing her passive aggression at her granddaughter...on things like her birthday.
In our case the wrong people died.

@KKGator re: power of atty.... as it was late dh was in denial until the very end about his situation. FCS he waited until a week before his last hospital trip to work on his advanced care directive.

@Qualia Damn. Therein lies the rub. Can't make people do what they don't want to do, even if they really, really should.

2

Never again!

2

At least a year.

Carin Level 8 Jan 23, 2019

I say at least 2 years of living together.

2

If you're a guy, Never.

I'm not a guy. .

1

6 months, imo

Orbit Level 7 Jan 23, 2019
1

Why should it EVER be brought up?

1

What bingst said.

1

6 months at least

1

How about the first day? It's easy . . . . I am not going to marry you. How was that?

THHA Level 7 Jan 23, 2019

That was fine... End of first date with you ,?

I did not request one, ha ha . . . . I'm 60 years old, and if and when I decide to get married, I will have one foot in the grave, that way I have an escape route . . . .

1

It varies on the couple and their values. My ex and I were together 4 months when I asked and married 6 months later. I have several good friends that have lived together for more than 20 years, raised a family and didnt get married until their kids were grown and out of the house.

1

How longs a piece of string? Its really up to you guys. Ive been married and just lived together. Considering how easy divorce was Im not sure it made much difference.

I'm not finding divorce to be easy at all!

1

37 minutes...maybe 38...I'm sure you know there's no "right" time...when both feel comfortable

lerlo Level 8 Jan 23, 2019
1

I don't think there is a set time. For me I'm not sure I ever want to be married. I would like a long term relationship, but the piece of paper is unnecessary.

1

"It depends".

If neither party knows themselves and is not very grounded in reality, the answer becomes "never".

In all my relationships, I've gone from zero to 60 mph inside of six months, but that's arguably too fast.

I'm five months in.... Both of us are realistic... None have mentioned marriage... I'm just thinking ahead...

0

There's no better or worse time. Comes down to both of you feeling ready and understanding that marriage is a serious commitment -- although, lacking that hasn't stopped some people.

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