Should you get married at 18

Should you get married if you’re only 18? That is a question which has many answers and few can really give you advice.

My wife and I have been married for more than 40 years – we were married in 1963 (I was 21 and my wife about 20). Our children once came home from school and told us they felt uncomfortable there.

When asked why, one of our sons responded: “You’re still married.” Most of the children they had met were from single parent homes or homes where the parents were considering divorce.

My wife becomes annoyed with me when I tell people one of the reasons we’ve lasted so long is that no one else in the world would put up with either of us. I spent 23 years in the Air Force, about 10 away from home.

My wife was forced, as are many military wives, to be both mother and father to our six children. My assignments sometimes prevented her from going with me, families weren’t allowed where I went. Other times, while she could have accompanied me, medical or financial problems prevented it.

She did an excellent job with finances and had things pretty well in hand by the time I’d come home – I usually messed things up pretty quickly.

If you can work together to make your marriage mean something, then, by all means, do it. You have to work together, though. One concept which has worked for us is “yours, mine and ours” regarding money. I think it’s important for both partners to have separate income and checking accounts in addition to a joint account to pay mutual bills, etc.

Take a look at my HUB regarding budgeting. If you’re interested in getting college credits, check out this HUB on education or another regarding starting a business. Good luck, whatever you decide. Just remember that you shouldn’t go to bed unless you’ve said “I love you” and meant it.

Disputes happen, but don’t let them rule your lives. Should things not work out, don’t use the excuse that you “have to stay together for the children” as that’s probably the worst thing you can possibly do to them.

My wife and I have had problems, and we’ve sometimes not followed the advice I’ve just given you. We’ve been lucky or perhaps we’ve really been in love. We’ve weathered all our problems, so far, and, hopefully, will continue to do so in the future. Irish Blessings Upon You and Yours. May Your Enemies Be Afflicted With Itching Without the Benefit of Scratching.