Because I Started Dating My Husband When I Was 17...
61
- ...This is the only real relationship I've ever been in. I dated a little bit, but I knew even then that I didn't want to pursue anything unless I thought it could end in marriage.
- ...All the adults that knew me were very worried at how quickly our relationship became serious. Even though we had been very close friends for three years before we even hinted at each other about dating.
- ...We wasted WAY too much money on gas because we were driving a very long distance to see each other at least once a week.
- ...When he told his mom about me she asked him in frustration, "Why can't you find a girl your own age?!" (He's only two years older than me.)
- ...I felt I had to be VERY careful to NOT decide to go to his college. As a result I went to a huge University that I HATED for a year, and ended up transferring to the college he went to anyway for my own reasons. One of the best decisions of my life.
- ...I've only had sex with one person and in case you need that clarified, it's the person I'm married too. (And I'm completely proud and happy about that.)
- ...I wasn't yet mature enough to control crazy jealousy and insecurities. Luckily he stuck with me, I grew up and was able to become secure with myself and our relationship.
- ...Most of our early dating relationship consisted of driving around to be away from my parents' house, but doing little else because we had no money.
- ...Very few people that we were close to when we started dating are still close friends. We've built new friendships together, and relied a lot on each other which helps keep us close.
- ...We were able to spend hours every day talking on the phone and via MSN messager (this was before Facebook and when texting was not very common), and I knew him better than anyone else and vice versa very quickly.
- ...I got married young. (Which will be continued on another hub)
So those of you out there with teenage daughters, I know that I am an exception, definitely not the rule. Most teenage relationships do not end in marriage, or at least not happy, healthy marriage. I stand here as proof, however, that the possibility is there. Trust your kids because if you have raised them well, they will ultimately make good decisions. Be nice and get to know your kids' significant others, because you really never know what life will bring.
CommentsLoading...
Love your comment, Deni! So much of being a teenager is learning how to be an adult in a safe environment. This means making decisions, including who they date. Thanks so much for reading!
This is amazing to me! I would have been completely happy to marry my high school sweetheart, with whom I had a relationship for 5 years. Unfortunately, I wasn't as lucky as you are and he decided to dump me. After several more years of experience, I think that, generally speaking, getting married young is a good idea because it gives you a much better frame of mind to build a strong relationship, which in turn will result in a happier and thus longer marriage.
Thank you Claudia! I would agree. As long as both parties have the right frame of mind going into a marriage (in my experience) it has been wonderful for us to be able to build our life together, rather than building two separate lives and trying to make them fit. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
This was an intersting read. I'm glad things worked out so well for you. I really loved my high school sweetheart but as things changed and years went by I grew up and realized we were never meant for each other. A lesson I had to learn on my own.
Thanks, Gypsy. I think I lucked out a bit. :)
April, Congratulations on a well written hub and also your long and happy relationship. Like you, I started dating my husband when just 17, he was 20. We went through a lot in the soon to be 24 years but we have grown closer together because of it. Neither of us regretting the decision to get so serious at such a young age.
Yes, as parents we are now scared to death for our daughter but still have to trust her instincts. Again Congratulations and sending you and your husband wishes for many, many, many more happy years together. :)
Thanks, reallylife, for your kind words! And congratulations to you as well. Long, happy marriages seem to be in such short supply these days, I am always encouraged when I see people that have and are doing it!
It's so lovely to read this hub :) I'm very happy for you :) Beautiful couple :) God bless!
Deni Edwards 5 months ago
Cheers! I agree. I fell in love with my husband at 12 years old. I've had a few other relationships when I was younger, but there was never a doubt in my mind that he was the one. Parents really need to stay out of their children's decisions on who they choose to date, especially if for the sole reason of wanting their son/daughter to "experience life". There's nothing like experiencing life with the love of your life, no matter how old (young) you happen to be.