There is a trending post by the founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, making the rounds on social media. In the post, the pastor said that ladies “prepare more for the wedding day, than for the marriage life.” And that “they are too hasty and not ready to sit down and learn the principles of marital life,” adding that “many ladies are not qualified to be wives even at 28. Below are some responses of contributors on this topic:
Ada Obiotu
I agree. The reason it seems like younger couples are not getting it right is because most (not all) people in their 20s have not figured out what they really want from life or how to navigate the journey of life. Getting married at that age, they struggle with commitment to the union because they are yet to understand what they have gotten themselves into. As everyone grows older, they gain a deeper understanding of how to journey through life. Therefore, the chances of having a successful marriage are higher then because they know exactly what they want.
Emmanuel Olagunju
In my own opinion, readiness for marriage should not depend on age. This is because age is just a number. Readiness for marriage should base more on mental and intellectual capacity which deals with maturity and how one could manage their emotions. We have people in their 20s who could solve marital issues for people in their 40s, and we have people in their 40s who cannot even logically advise people in their 20s. Therefore, marriage can be attained at 20 and above if such a person is sure of his/her mental capabilities and can manage his/her emotions.
Onyeka Gabriel
Being ready for marriage is based on individual conception. Readiness is determined by how we define it. One could be in his/her 20s and be ready as stated above, but have a pursuit that he/she considers more important. Others could have also gotten what they feel they wanted, but ready as regards emotions and the like. Finally, we all have our ideal man/woman − some believe they are yet to find them. So, it is not all about one’s age, but when the individual believes she is ready.
Ore Amoo
I opine that readiness for marriage cannot be generalised by age. It varies. Some may be emotionally, mentally and socially ready for marriage in their 20s while some may need time to grow and be mentally ready for what lies ahead. Other factors like compatibility, goals, and financial stability should be taken into account.
Gloria Oladeji
I do not agree. Personally, any age above 25 is okay. I feel getting married below 25 is too early. At least, let me enjoy my early 20s, work and have something for myself before I enter into marriage.
NJ Naboth
The idea of being ready for marriage should not be based on age, rather on responsibility and accountability. If someone, who is 18 years old, is considered as an adult, why should the case on marriage be different? I believe that someone at that age is exclusively (emotionally, mentally, and socially) mature to understand and express those psychological traits. The argument should rather focus on how an individual should have the ability to control them because it is a different thing to have them and another to manage the skills.
Ogungbile Oludotun
I believe that there is no appointed time or age to get married. Every relationship is different, and every circumstance is not the same. Marriage is obviously a decision that is based on partners and their relationships. Better still, the idea of how long the partners have been together does not really count, but the quality of time, productive conversations, compatible vision tend to be much more important for a successful marriage.
Olufemi Adeniran
There is something called emotional immaturity. In the 20s, to handle the pressure of marriage would be very difficult, let alone solving immediate needs of the family. Their age also depends on the type of persons they are.
Oluwatomisin Aina
I would not say age matters because there are people older than 20s and still not prepared emotionally, financially and mentally for marriage. However, there are younger people in their 20s and are much more prepared than older people. It is a thing of mindset and there is no fixed age to when someone is ready for marriage. When one is ready, they would know. They would have the sense of fulfillment that if they go into marriage, they would be capable. In this case, age does not matter but how well-prepared one is. People’s mindsets differ on this issue.
Precious Olajide
There should not be any specific age for marriage. It depends on what one could bring to the table − no one wants to suffer in their marriage anymore. A 20-year lady could get married if she is financially stable and mentally ready. Because marriage deals with commitment, one has to endure some things. In summary, age does not matter. All that matters is personal development.
Gift Akintoye
It all depends on the person. Some people get married at age 20 and they are doing fine, while some others of the same age cannot even stay in a stable relationship. It depends on the person’s mindset and what the person is looking for in a partner.
Michael Ogbeiwi
A lot of young ladies make money at age 20. Many of them spend their money judiciously. But they are not emotionally, socially, and mentally balance. A 20-year-old is just a year ahead of a teenager. They are myopic in viewing things, rash and hasty in taking decision, selfish and self-centred. They tend to be biased and aggressive when their loved one is offended.
Sheik Jibrin
It depends on the culture of the people. Some, at the age of 20, they give their children for marriage, while others think different.
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