Parents think I am too young?

Nope. I'm in agreement with your parents too young! I can't imagine if I would have married at that age.

At the end of the day, you have to live your life for yourself, not your parents. If it were up to my parents I wouldn't have had kids or gotten married until I had travelled to every country in the world and experienced every single thing in life, and I was 31 when I got married. . I would also have a completely different career. 25 isn't super young, and as long as you are both financially independent I dont see a problem. Just talk to your parents about it, and explain that you are not children. Good luck.

I'm one of the few who don't agree with the people who claim "you're too young to be married!", I know a good portion of people who married young and have had successful marriages. A friend of mine actually just celebrated her 4th wedding anniversary with her husband that she had dated since the age of 13, they married at 23.

IF I was in your situation, I would keep everything hush, hush with the parents and their opinions until your boyfriend is ready to propose. In your current situation I recommend focusing on school and if it's a possibility, I recommend one of you re-locating so you are no longer long distance. I understand some people don't believe in living together before marriage and I respect that, however if this isn't your case, DEFINITELY bunk up beforehand. You and your boyfriend have been together quite a while, however when you live together things tend to change.

Take it slowly, you know where you want to be in 2017, set your eyes on that goal but don't start reaching for it until other goals are accomplished first.

Just slowly ease into it. Have you two ever lived together before this?

I'm 23 and I'm marrying FH at this age. He's 23 too. I don't have a doubt in my mind that this is the right thing to do and is 100% healthy and the best choice for both mine and his lives. (Kate from the comment above, you're more than welcome to check in with me in 10, 20, 30 years to see if I regret it. ) I don't think there is a universal line in the sand that is **TOO YOUNG FOR MARRIAGE**. I think readiness for marriage is extremely personal and unique to each individual and each relationship. If this is a decision you are sure you're willing to stake your life on, then the best thing you can do is be open and honest with your parents. I know it's tough when sometimes they see things from a different perspective. :/ I think you should let them know you respect and value their opinion, but you want to move forward with the marriage for x, y, z reasons. Lay it out in a mature way and emphasize the factual reasons without completely omitting the valid aspect of loving him. Help them know and trust that you can do this successfully, and you're not going to regret it and wish you had waited. Best of luck, hon.

I currently work 20 hrs a week on top of school and am financially independent with the exception of health insurance (since you can stay on parents plan until 26) and cellphone bill, which I could easily take on on my own when we get engaged.

We have chosen not to live together before marriage. He is graduating in December though, and he will be moving closer to my current location.

I'm 24 and will be 25 when I get married. I don't believe it's an age thing, I believe it is about how independent and ready you are for the commitment.

Spazzy I was so encouraged when I read your response to Caitlyn because I could tell we were totally on the same page

If I were your parents my one and only objection would be that you haven't lived together. That's totally your choice and if that's what you believe in then you do you. I just feel that you can learn so much more about someone once you live with them, even if you've known someone your whole life. Even if you had separate bedrooms or something I still feel like it would make a stronger marriage if you know the person on that next level. But again that's my beliefs and what I would tell my children, to each their own.

Since you say you are financially independent that already tells me you are doing pretty well for that age. I would personally in your place wait to say anything until you are actually engaged (based on how you have described your parents anyhow). Just move forward with your relationship slow and steady until then and then sit them down and explain things. Also, be prepared to take over all your own costs in case that becomes necessary (I don't know your parents but I know some parents who would not financially support a married child in any way).

OriginalRandi- you put it perfectly.

FH and I are about your age - together since 15/16, (away from home and financially independant 3 years later), were 20/21 when we got engaged and will be 25/26 by the time we marry.

If you feel mature enough in your decision, try not to let your parents negativity get to you. Respond politely and calmly - OriginalRandi said it better than I ever could.

Age doesn't equal maturity. I've seen responsible 20somethings make the decision to get married and are in very good places in their life now, but also immature middle-aged-and-up folk who still have no grasp of how to be an adult or not rely on their parents.

I don't think you're too young for marriage. As long as the 2 of you can support yourselves and pay for the wedding that's all that matters. Just assuming that if your parents don't agree they probably won't help with any wedding costs.

ETA - DH was 35 and I was 32 when we got married last year but we had been together since I was 20 and he was 23,

To me, age isn't as big of a factor when you have been dating for so long. That being said, I can't imagine being married at 23 because I was not mature or ready for that kind of commitment. Everyone is different though, which is why I would never condemn someone for getting married at that age. Now, if you are expecting your parents to help contribute financially, they may not be too keen on it. I'd just make sure while in grad school you are saving money so when the time comes, you two can afford the wedding you want on your own.

Age has nothing to do with it. It's all about your mentality and what you both are ready for. I'm currently 21, FH is 24. When we get married I'll be 22 and FH will be 25. We've been together for 6 years. However, we both have well-established careers (and I'm also almost done with my bachelors degree). We both are independent, financially and mentally, from our parents. They do play a large role in our lives and they knew we were ready to get married. If you are still dependent on your parents for finances then you are not ready! You should take your parents advice into consideration, but also know what's best for you guys.

My FILs were high school sweethearts too. They started dating at 16, married at 19 or 20, waited a few years to have kids, and will soon be going on to celebrate their 40th anniversary together. I have never seen a couple more in love than they are, and I'm including FH and I there! Long ago, i would have agreed with your parents, that you and your FH are too young. Now I say if you think it's right for you then that's what matters.

I don't really recommend getting married as a teenager in this day and age, but apart from that, no one can really tell you you are a "too young" to get married - it's not about your physical age, but your mindset. I know some 30 somethings who I might consider "too young" to get married because they still aren't mature enough yet. That being said, I think most people do a lot of growing between their early twenties and late twenties. If your partner is willing to grow and change with you, and doesn't try to hold you back from that, then I think that's a good sign.

I'll tell you a personal example. My parents met the September of my mother's sophomore year in college - Dad was a junior. He couldn't afford an engagement ring, so her grandmother gave them hers, that she could not longer wear (due to arthritis).

They married in the middle of her senior year, 2 years and 3 months after they met. She was 21 years and 5 months - he was 2 months short of 23 years.

They built their first home, by themselves (Yes - built by hand), 2.5 years later. They both received their master's degrees 2 years after that. I was born 1 year after the master's - when they had been married 5.5 years.

This December they will be celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary.

It might be regional thing.. I'm 24 an FH is 26 that is not consider young for marriage around here

My parents married at 21 and 22 and my grandparent at 20 and 21 and they bothe just celebrated their 50th and 25th anniversaries if you know your ready don't let anyone tell you different

Do what feels right! By the time you will get married, you will have been together for 7 years. I think that is enough time take the next step. I don't think there is necessarily a 'right age' as it depends on the couple. If we had the money we would already have been married. I will be 27 when we get married. My mom was 21 when she got married and my parents will be celebrating their 39th anniversary next month.