So many of the now generation are just living together without
getting married and I certainly understand it. I was raised by the older folks' with strict rules. But I can see how people
can be afraid of marriage.

I married the first time at age 17 just 5 months after graduating from high school. He was 22. I thought I was so mature and knew exactly what I was doing and no one could have talked me out of it, but I seriously had no clue. We were divorced 7 years later, and the truth is that he really wasn't a horrible, abusive person. As I actually became an adult, we were totally not right for each other and we both knew it. I remarried at age 28 and have been blessed to be married to this great guy for 31 years. We plan to grow old together and always enjoy our frequent moments of laughter! I always caution younger folks to really know who they are before they jump into such a serious commitment as marriage. The one positive from my first marriage was my son, who was born when I was 20, and the 3 beautiful grandchildren in my life. I don't blame my ex-husband for the marriage not working--he had really married a child.

I had just turned 21 and my hubby was 19 when we married. We celebrated 40 years this last December. It's definitely been a good ride so far.

Congratulations to you, Sandpiper! It is wonderful to hear of you success in your relationship.

Sandpiper,
I'm glad you're happy. WB is three years younger than I am but it works fine. Soulmates mesh regardless of age!!! LOL..

I agree about the soulmates meshing concept, Jabber. Steve is 4 years younger than I am.

But way back when I studied gerontology in college I learned that women in the US live - on average - 5 years longer than men. So our professor advised all the women in the class to marry younger men...

I got it wrong the first time around - my first husband died in his 40s - but I have been delighted with my current "young man" for over 22 years now...

You know when my hubby and I married we had to have his parents sign for him to marry me. In Illinois you had to be 21 and he was just 19. So I always tease him about his parents giving him to me.

I definitely believe in soul makes. I totally enjoy being with him when he's home.

One week from today, WB and I'll be married 30 years. Now somebody please tell me where those 30 years went? It was just yesterday, we exchange vows! Wouldn't that just flip your
bippie???

Sounds like you jabber, and sandpiper found true love and a real soulmate. I would still be with my 2nd. husband if he hadn't passed away. I miss hime everyday of my life... I hope you both have many more happy years with your husbands.

Sorry Chatty. Losing people we love is the worst thing we have to endure. Prayers and blessings...