How long do you think a couple should wait to become engaged?

1. 68

   essiheartposted 13 years ago

   How long do you think a couple should wait to become engaged?
   
   Obviously it depends on the couple, but what are your thoughts?

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2. 0

   AMBASSADOR BUTLERposted 13 years ago

   Human beings have a limited time to live on the earth. So if they decide to go down this path for their life together then it can and should happen as soon as within 1 month considering everything that they are able to communicate clearly and have mutual trust and respect for each other.

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3. 63

   ThunderKeysposted 13 years ago

   I don't think its as much about waiting time as it is about learning time. The divorce rate is at 50% and 80% of partners cheat.
   
   Marriage requires a very special skill set, sort of like driving a car. If you don't have the skills you can get into a crash and people in and outside of the car can get hurt, including kids. Injuries can then be carried over into other relationships. I have a number of hubs on evidence-based couples communication and I recommend the best research based relationship books on the market.
   
   In addition to reading the right 2 or 3 books, preparatory marital counseling can be a marriage saver in advance. It is also highly protective for a marriage if both partners are engaged in a strong faith community both for spiritual strength and positive social support.   
   
   Please let me know if you have any further questions.
   
   - Duddy.

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4. 60

   Sunny Barbposted 13 years ago

   I think it does differ for each couple.  I have seen some that become engaged in a few weeks and have been married for a long time.  Since I consider them the exception to the rule, I think typically within six months to a year the couple should have a good idea if they want to unite for life.

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5. 61

   Jarnposted 13 years ago

   However long it takes for them to decide they actually want to spend the rest of their lives together, so it probably varies, though brain damage would probably speed the process.

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6. 75

   moonfairyposted 13 years ago

   length of time doesn't matter....when you're ready, you're ready! I know people who have waited years, and some that got engaged in a matter of weeks or months. My husband asked me to marry him 4 months after we met....

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7. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 13 years ago

   I’d say a minimum of 18 months! (Consistant dating).
   Even longer if you barely see one another! You want to see how they conduct themselves through ups and downs, happy, sad, angry, financially,resolve disputes with you when you disagree, as well as if they're romantically & sexually compatible with you. The first 6 months to a year is just the "infatuation phase" of most relationships. It's only after that time do we get a glimpse of what life might be like with them for the long haul.
   
   Marriage should not be entered into lightly.
   (Both people) should be on the same page and have their lives in order. It takes more time to get to truly know someone than most people are willing to invest.
   Awhile back I wrote the following hub offering advice to men but it could as easily apply towards women.
   http://hubpages.com/hub/5-Reasons-Men-S … et-Married

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8. 91

   Gabriel Wilsonposted 13 years ago

   Marriage requires a lot of hard work from both parties to be a healthy, loving and lasting relationship. An engagement is a promise to enter into marriage and shouldn't be taken lightly.
   So! on that note, when you feel ready to spend the rest of your life with the person you love; that's how long you should wait.

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