Have you noticed that delaying decisions regarding committing to a relationship and marriage is becoming increasingly common in many societies? Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Many prioritize achieving educational goals and establishing themselves professionally before committing to long-term relationships.
- Building a strong financial foundation is often seen as essential for starting a family.
- Societal norms around marriage and family have evolved, allowing for more flexibility and individual choices.
- The concept of lifelong commitment can be daunting, leading some to delay relationships.
- The increasing rate of divorce raises concerns about the stability of marriages. This may contribute to delaying the decision as some may fear the challenges and potential disappointments associated with relationships and parenthood.
Committing to a Relationship
Getting into a relationship commitment is one of life’s most significant decisions. If you are a happy-go-lucky person, you might put off deciding to tie the knot with someone for fear of losing your freedom and the prospect of adjusting to someone. You make like someone, but you fear your parents won’t approve of the person, so you defer the decision. You have too many options and hence are not serious about anyone. Some do not believe in marriage, but only in relationships without strings attached.
Need for self-reflection
To navigate this decision about committing to a relationship, you must take the first step of self-reflection. You should be able to answer the following questions with honesty:
- Are you ready emotionally and financially?
- What are your core values and beliefs?
- Are you willing to share your thoughts and desires with your partner openly and honestly?
- Are you prepared to share your expectations and understand your partner’s feelings and needs?
- Are you willing to let go of anything?
- Will you stay with your partner through thick and thin?
- Are you open to communication to address disagreements?
- Will you meet your partner halfway?
- Do you have a shared vision for your future, including family, career, and lifestyle?
- Are you open to discussing financial goals, budgeting, and debt management with your partner?
- Are you both willing to learn to forgive and move on from past mistakes?
- Are you both fully committed to building a lasting relationship?
If your answer is yes to all, you can discuss this freely with the one you intend to join in a relationship and take a decision. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer to committing to a relationship or marriage. The critical thing is that you need to make a decision that feels right for you and your partner.
If you keep deferring your decision to commit to a relationship in marriage, you may suddenly find that time has flown, and you are no longer young!
Remember, relationships are not just physical, it is about companionship and a deep connection between two people.
