When is the ideal time to get engaged?

1. 60

   NikiDivaposted 11 years ago

   When is the ideal time to get engaged?
   
   When is too soon to get engaged once you have started a relationship?

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2. 75

   Thief12posted 11 years ago

   There is no "ideal" time. It is whenever you both feel ready to make that decision. And when I say "ready", I mean ready in every aspect that two people wanting to live together should be ready.

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   1. 60

      NikiDivaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What about the couple that live together before getting married or even engaged? Is one year of dating a sufficient amount of time to make a choice like this or is it too soon in your opinion?

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   2. 75

      Thief12posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The same applies. Whenever too people feel ready in every aspect to make that commitment to spend life together, whether by marriage or whatever, then that's the moment. That doesn't guarantee success, but what does?

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3. 71

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   It depends on the relationship. Some couples know each other very well in their relationship after three months, others it takes years. Personally, it took us years. We got together without a plan, after two years it became serious, and at three we were engaged.

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4. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 11 years ago

   It depends on whether or not one is looking to have a long engagement or a short one. I've known people who were "engaged" without having a wedding date set for years!
   Anyone who gets engaged without having any prior major disagreements has yet to see their mate's "authentic self" with regard to how they handle stress or conflict resolution. Committing during the "infatuation phase" is way too early. You want to be certain you can (accept) someone as they (are) and vice versa! Generally speaking people don't change all that much overtime. It takes time to fully get to know someone. At least 18 months or longer of (consistent) dating. People in long distance relationships often confuse "calendar time" with "actual time (together)". Anyone who sees their mate one weekend a month for 12 months has only been with them 24 days and not a year.
   If a couple plans to engage and get married within a year after becoming engaged then certain things must take place first in (my) opinion.
   Assuming they are "in love" with one another and not getting married for the "wrong reasons" such as an ultimatum was given, unplanned pregnancy, it was someone's "age goal" or all their friends are married...etc
   Both people need to have a career path established and get their financial house in order. They should also have frank discussions to see if they envision the same type of lifelong marriage (Number of children, discipline, housework, joint account or separate accounts, college funds for the kids, saving/investment plan for retirement, ideally how many times would they expect to have sex per week, is going to church as a couple/family important?, Boys/Girls night out or weekend getaways acceptable?) Essentially discuss everything that causes divorce.
   Contrary to popular belief these things don't "magically" work themselves out. You need to know if you have the (same vision) for the marriage and agree on strategy for getting there. "Opposites attract divorce attorneys!"

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5. 70

   allisonlawrenceposted 11 years ago

   This answer is different for every couple. People mature at different times, though much maturing happens during ages 18-22. I think it's wise to wait until after these years and be in a place where you can reasonably commit to each other (i.e. can he support you?). You want to get to the point where you can't imagine living life without the other one. Ask people that know both of you and that you trust. It's right to put a lot of thought into it since it's a big commitment. It's not something to be fearful of, but also not something to take lightly.

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