How Long After Dating Should You Get Married (And Why)?

How Long After Dating Should You Get Married (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 2 to 4 years

Dating is the phase when the individual involved in a relationship get to know each other. It is also known as the courting period when each individual gets acquainted with the likes, dislikes, interests, and disinterests of the other. The phenomenon of dating has become an essential part of the romantic process of matchmaking in the modern era.

Marriage is a long-term commitment that couples enter into after being a part of a successful and happy relationship. Through matrimony, a couple is joined together for eternity. Marriage is a lifelong commitment and thus, the decision to enter into marriage must be made after prolonged examination and thorough thinking.

How Long After Dating Should You Get Married

How Long After Dating Should You Get Married?

There is no standard timeline for waiting when it comes to dating, engagement, and marriage. As such, there exists no ‘normal’ time frame that determines the perfect span for dating and then getting married. One cannot rely on a foolproof method of identifying the correct time to get hitched. However, it is possible to devise an overall average from research conducted in this arena.

Most studies suggest that people dating each other tend to enter into marriage within 2 to 4 years of the commencement of the wooing process. The dating period continues for about a year or two. If the couple in question thinks their relationship is getting serious and they wish to commit to each other through marriage, this stage is followed by an engagement.

The engagement period is the most variable stage in-between the dating and marriage phases. For some couples, the engagement period is longer than others. Some may wish to keep it short and get married quickly. However, again there is no stringent rule that indicates the right time to transform an engagement into a marriage.

Those couples that wish for a shorter engagement period might get married within a year of beginning to date one another. While others may wish to invest more time in getting to know each other before entering into holy matrimony. In such cases, the dating and engagement period, prior to the marriage is much longer. However, it is only on the rarest of occasions that couples remain engaged or date for longer than 5 years before getting married.

Dating

In Summary:

Length of EngagementTime Frame
Short Engagement2 years from when they start dating
Long Engagement4 years from when they start dating

Why Should A Person Wait This Long After Dating To Get Married?

The idea of waiting for a sufficient amount of time before one commits to marriage is quite fruitful. This is primarily because the couple must get to know each other thoroughly before they enter into a lifelong journey together.

It is important to understand all the facets of the person you propose to share your life with. Getting acquainted with the real personalities and selves of individuals outside the ‘romance phase’ or the ‘honeymoon period’ of the initial days in a relationship is important. This helps both partners realize whether or not they are well-suited for each other.

Moreover, some couples may have a longer engagement after they begin to date because of certain contingencies like employment opportunities or educational considerations. People may have to remain away from their partners for a while because of these activities.

Similarly, some couples have to wait until they receive their educational degree or secure enough finances to fund a wedding and the life afterward. In such cases, marriage gets inevitably delayed, even though the couple would want to get hitched at the earliest.

Dating

On the other hand, some couples may be extremely sure of their choice within the first 6 months of dating. If they have no other prior commitments that pull them away from the prospect of marriage, they may enter into matrimony quite early. This may mean that they get married within a year of starting to date each other.

However, it is always better to wait for at least a year or two before getting married to the person one is dating. This average window allows the person enough time to understand the nuances of his or her partner quite thoroughly.

Conclusion

Dating is a subjective phenomenon. The period of courtship can vary significantly for each couple. Their comforts as to the length of the period may also vary. Marriage can only follow dating if the couple feels happy and satisfied with the relationship.

Dating can last for about a year or two. This is followed by an engagement if the couple is contemplating marriage. After the engagement period, marriage occurs within 12 to 18 months. Again this estimate is an average representation of the time frame between dating and marriage. It may vary from one couple to another, on the basis of their specific desires, contingencies, and circumstances.

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956522109001195
  2. https://www.jstor.org/stable/347013
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22 thoughts on “How Long After Dating Should You Get Married (And Why)?”

  1. This is a very informative and well-thought-out article. It’s great to see the various perspectives on the issue and understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dating and marriage.

    1. I completely agree! The article provides valuable insight into the dating and marriage process and the importance of taking the time to understand one’s partner before making a lifelong commitment.

  2. The insightful analysis provided in this article sheds light on the complexities of dating and marriage, offering a much-needed perspective that challenges the traditional narratives. It’s a fascinating read!

    1. I couldn’t agree more. The article’s nuanced approach to the topic is enlightening and thought-provoking.

    2. Absolutely, the in-depth analysis and fresh insights in the article make it a standout in the realm of dating and marriage discussions.

  3. I find the idea of waiting 2 to 4 years after dating to get married quite intriguing. It’s refreshing to see a perspective that emphasizes the importance of really getting to know one’s partner before making such a significant decision.

    1. Absolutely, taking the time to truly understand each other is crucial. This article does a great job of highlighting the various factors that can influence the length of dating and engagement periods.

  4. The article presents a compelling argument for waiting before getting married, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s partner thoroughly. It’s an interesting take on the dating and marriage timeline.

    1. I agree, the emphasis on understanding and compatibility is crucial. It’s refreshing to see a more nuanced view on the topic.

  5. The comical and ironic elements in this article are quite amusing, adding a lighthearted touch to the usually serious topic of dating and marriage. It’s a delightful read!

    1. Absolutely! The wit and humor in the article make it engaging and enjoyable to read. It’s a fresh take on the subject.

    2. The playfulness of the article is indeed refreshing. It’s a welcome departure from the typically dry treatment of dating and marriage topics.

  6. I’m not sure if I agree with the idea of waiting 2 to 4 years after dating to get married. It seems like an excessively long time to make a decision about marriage, especially in today’s fast-paced world where things change quickly.

  7. The article does a great job of presenting different scenarios and considerations that can influence the decision to get married. It’s a well-rounded and informative discussion of the topic.

    1. Avatar of Robinson Bradley
      Robinson Bradley

      I agree. The comprehensive nature of the article allows for a thorough exploration of the complexities involved in the dating and marriage process.

    2. Absolutely, the depth and breadth of the article’s coverage make it a valuable resource for anyone navigating the dating and marriage journey.

  8. Avatar of Williams Joanne
    Williams Joanne

    The article provides a balanced view of the dating and marriage process, acknowledging that there are different timelines and circumstances that can influence the decision to get married. It’s a refreshing change from the usual advice that tries to prescribe specific timeframes.

    1. I couldn’t agree more. The flexibility in this approach to dating and marriage is quite commendable, as it takes into account the unique dynamics of each relationship.

  9. I appreciate the thought-provoking content of this article, which challenges the conventional wisdom about the timeline for dating and marriage. It’s an interesting and informative read.

    1. I couldn’t agree more. The article offers new perspectives and insights that make it a valuable addition to the discourse on dating and marriage.

    2. Absolutely, the thought-provoking nature of the article prompts readers to rethink their preconceived notions about dating and marriage. It’s a great contribution to the conversation.

  10. I find the argument for waiting before getting married quite compelling. It makes sense to take the time to really get to know one’s partner before making such a significant commitment.

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