Whether you are contemplating marriage or not, waiting until marriage may be the best move you make. Not only will you be less likely to be married to someone who isn’t your ideal partner, you will also be more likely to have a long and healthy relationship. And, it may also reduce the chance of having an unwanted pregnancy.
Waiting until marriage isn’t a new concept; it was just more mainstream a few decades ago. Some states have taken the lead on promoting abstinence until marriage, as evidenced by the five states mentioned below. Several local school districts may also have implemented abstinence-until-marriage programs. In addition, some states have enacted a state-level directive promoting the benefits of waiting until marriage.
For example, Massachusetts has a statewide abstinence-until-marriage education campaign targeted at youth ages 9-14. These initiatives include a media campaign, a teen pregnancy prevention program and a series of community-based initiatives that highlight marriage-building skills. Likewise, Oklahoma has a similar program. Similarly, Texas requires a thirty-day waiting period before remarriage. And, Utah proclaimed Marriage Awareness Week on September 15, 1999.
Waiting until marriage isn’t for everyone. Some may not feel like they are ready for the responsibilities of marriage, while others may be looking to take the next step. However, it’s also important to remember that everyone is different. And, the decision may be based on a variety of factors, such as religious convictions or a personal philosophy. A good way to find out why you are waiting is to talk to other members of your community. If you and your partner have different opinions, consider taking the time to come to an agreement.
Another advantage to waiting until marriage is that you will be less likely to experience heartache in your relationship. Studies have shown that people who wait to get married have better sexual quality and less concern about divorce. In addition, people who wait until marriage tend to report better communication and better relationships overall.
Another benefit of waiting until marriage is that you’ll have less fear about having an unwanted pregnancy. If you have an unplanned pregnancy, marriage provides a solid foundation for a loving family. Waiting until marriage is also a good idea if you’re concerned about financial hardships. Also, a spouse may have more empathy for your situation. You may also find it easier to break off relationships if you have more time to think about it.
The other benefit of waiting until marriage is that it shows the other person that you are serious about them. Many people forget about their partner when they’re intercourse with someone else. This can cause a false sense of intimacy. In fact, a survey of newlyweds found that cohabiting couples are less likely to be happy in their marriage and more likely to shout and argue. Moreover, cohabitation increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and makes it harder for couples to divide work duties.
The most obvious benefit of waiting until marriage is the opportunity to experience the emotional bond that comes with the commitment. While you may not always agree on every aspect of your relationship, it’s a good idea to share your values and goals.
