What Age to Get Married?

Listening to Chum FM's Roger, Darren and Marilyn podcast today, I realized the strangest thing about the discussion of marriage and age. A lot of people make plans when they are young about at what age they wish to meet certain life goals. These life goals are usually that of graduating, buying an apartment/a house, buying a car, getting married, having a kid, etc. Society seems to have also imposed a standard ages for these specific life goals.


On the radio today, a woman mentioned that she has several weddings to attend this summer and the weddings are of engaged couples in their mid-20s. They then said that it's a good age for people to get married. Women should get married mid- to late-20s and men in their early 30s. Does that not imply that men and women should have an age difference of about five years?

It's confusing. Get married whatever age you feel comfortable. Get married not because you have to but because you are in love. Get married when you are financially secured and content both independently and together.

To me, it's absolutely crazy that people get divorced. Get married with the intention of staying with the person forever.

February, Thursday 14 . 1884.

On Valentine's Day 125 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt lost his loved one. His wife Alice died on their fourth anniversary of their engagement from Bright's disease. After her death, T.R. never spoke of her again, even omitting her from his autobiography. She was only 22. This is a page from his diary that very clearly expresses his grief.


via Jordan Ferney's Oh Happy Day!

Weekendtime!

Some sweet and random things found while surfing the 'net on my Friday off:

A fateful story about a man who needed a kidney as a result of congestive heart failure and his fiance who happened to be a perfect match. "In order to get him to the top of the donor list, Kelly signed up to donate hers. At first, she never dreamed she would actually be a match, but it turned out she was." Read on!

On Cloud Nine, an amazingly cute Neiman Marcus commercial for the Spring season. This is so whimsical and fluffy! Really!

via {frolic!}

And, last but not least, MSNBC's Elizabeth Svoboda writes about eight ways to reduce stress! This is a department I'm sure we could do with some tips!

1. Say "Om" and mediate.
   
2. Make a great iPod mix.
   
3. Hit the sack early—or take a nap.
   
4. Sip some black tea.
   
5. Hang out with a funny friend.
   
6. Schedule a massage.
   
7. Do something spiritual.
   
8. Chew a piece of gum.

This weekend, I will be reading Frankenstein (1818 ed.), Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler, and Marvel X-Men comics to study for a midterm and to write a film review essay!

Have a great weekend!