As dating trends change, so do marriage trends. Research is indicating that couples are waiting longer to get married. In the past, couples were having significantly shorter courtships. Now, engagements are lasting a few years while the couple realizes other goals in their lives, both personally and professionally. Research findings indicate ideas about marriage have changed in terms of where it stands in life goals. University of Iowa researcher Christie Boxer, specialist in marital trends notes couples are changing their overall view of marriage, relationship goals, and growth as individuals and couples.

Boxer comments on her findings related to marital trends to date:

“[Marriage has] become a middle-class ideal,” she said. “A lot of people are postponing marriage until they feel like they hit a financial point. Now, people feel like they want to have financial stability before they combine with a new partner.”

“Women are more educated than they were in the past, and not only do they have degrees, they are more likely to go into the workforce,” Boxer said. “Men and women are now sort of equal in that they go to college and go to work.”

As a result, the mean age of women and men getting married has increased, women being 26.5 and men being 28.7 years of age. Getting your life goals in order before getting married is important for staying on a path of both individual and couple growth over the years. This is not to say that you will not have new goals along the way. It is essential to discuss what your priorities in life are prior to getting marriage or entering a dating relationship. The clearer you are on your goals and expectations, the less likely you will have disparity in these areas of your intimate relationships in the long-run. If you are marriage, how old were you when you tied the knot? Do you think it was a good age for you and your partner? Source: Daily Iowan