By the world’s standards, you’re an adult at 18 years of age. You have been dating your current girlfriend/boyfriend for two years and contemplating the next big step. While you’re unsure about what you want your life to be like in five years, you’re positive you want it to be with this person.

Playtime Gets a Time Out

Contemplating marriage is a natural progression in the growth of a serious relationship. The thought of spending the rest of your life with someone is an important matter and should be given careful attention.

Many youths imagine their life to be a romantic fantasy with no major responsibilities. Or they might get into a serious relationship to escape a bad situation at home, school or in their communities. Some teenagers claim they want to get married because it looks like so much fun, like playing house.

Role Play

Some may not realize that once you’re committed in a serious relationship each person has a role that is solely theirs to play. The woman needs to feel appreciated and safe not feel that his friends are just as important to be with as she. One common misconception among young men is they think that as husbands, they can still live the life-style of single men.

A husband needs to feel respected. A common problem among young wives is that some would rather watch television and sleep than clean house and make meals. Although both husbands and wives may share the financial responsibility as well as equally tend to household duties, it can still bring about much stress in a marriage when the wife is domestically incompetent.

More Money - More Problems

The biggest cause of marital discord is money. A couple should not have a childish view of material things. One study revealed that “teenagers expected to be able to purchase immediately the items it probably took their parents years to acquire”. Wanting instant gratification can plunge you deeply into debt.

Questions to consider before stepping into a serious relationship:

1. What are your goals in life and how will these be affected by marriage?
2. Do you want to get married simply to escape problems?
3. To what extent are you prepared to take on the role of a husband or wife?
4. Are you capable of managing a household or making a living?
5. If you find yourself in constant conflict with your parents, will you be able to get along with a marriage mate?
6. Can you withstand the trials and tribulations that come with a serious relationship?
7. Have you extinguished a childish view when it comes to handling finances?
8. Are you confident with yourself? (e.g. your image, goals, dreams)
9. Do you feel that this person is worth beginning a relationship with?
10. Are you still hanging on to your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend? (Ex. Keeping them on ’stand-by’)

Exerpts from the book, ‘Questions Young People Ask-Answers That Work’, published by WT Bible & Tract Society of NY, USA