How long should you be together before marriage?

I think it depends on the people, and their maturity. I can't put a time limit on it at all. I don't really believe you fall in love but you grow in love with an individual.

Statistically, there is no relation between how long people date and the length of their marriage. It's no about the length of the courtship, it's about the strength of the commitment. In my world, taking a vow means keeping that vow, even if your spouse doesn't hold up his/her end. We have all grown up being fed BS about how love is something you can fall into and back out of. No. You make a promise and then you make it work.

@ Miss Me - How long have you been together?

I think as Sharon said, it all depends on age and experience.

Having been married before,I knew within a date or two whether or not I even wanted to spend additional time with the person.

I also never thought I would every truly believe that you don't know someone until you live with them. It's not about burpring and farting. Hell, I am the burper and farter in our house. It's about seeing them with their guard down, not being the "date."

My ex and I were young (21 and 22). We were engaged within months, and married a year to the date we met. I often say had I been with him longer, before the exciting planning the wedding stage, I would have seen his issues. Sadly, within months of living with him, I realized what they were. Yes, we lasted 13 years, but they were not good years.

Frank and I have been together for 8 years. By the time we get marrried it will be 9 years. We dated a year before we moved in together. We were engaged at year 6, and now we are finally taking the plunge. Was I afraid of committment...no...I have considered myself married to him within months. It just wasn't the right time. We follow our hearts on everything and we firmly feel, if things fall into place and feel right, we do them.

I think this totally depends on each couple and their situation. FS and I met really young, and gave ourselves time to finish school, and get ourselves on our feet before we closed the long distance, and moved in together. We are now super ready and can't wait!

By the way, we have been together for 12 years this Saturday!

Congrats Jass! 12 years is a long time!

Thanks Carole! I can't believe how fast time goes by! We are going out to celebrate!

I dont think there is a set time frame...if you know you know. however i wold HIGHLY recommend at least 6 months to a year. the longer the better though. i have known fh for over 10 years (11 at the wedding) dated for 5(3 months sort of 6 at the wedding) and will be engaged for a month short of 2 years at the wedding

I dont think there is a set time frame...if you know you know. however i wold HIGHLY recommend at least 6 months to a year. the longer the better though. i have known fh for over 10 years (11 at the wedding) dated for 5(3 months sort of 6 at the wedding) and will be engaged for a month short of 2 years at the wedding

it also depends on age and maturity. if your 16 and ae "in love" i wold say at least get through highschool, college would be GREAT. but if your 40 and have a few more brains on ya then a shorter time would be ok. isnt it funny how the older couples seem to date/ be engaged longer than the young ones?

I think people (especially young people) should wait at least two years. The reason for this is because there is often a honeymoon period when you first get involved with someone. I also think you should live with them first but I know that's my own opinion and there probably are people who disagree with me. I figure that you don't really know someone unless you live with them.

Our test was spending 10 days together. We went on vacation to visit his family. I was scared at first thinking "this will either make us or break us". By the end of the trip, it was our 1 year anniversary and it couldn't have been better. We got engaged a year and 9 months after we met (not dated; we hit it off from the beginning but weren't "official").

We are truly best friends (that's why were not having MOH or BM hehe). I think it takes a lot to decide or know that you want to be with this person forever. I see so many couples that have 5, 10, 15 years together end it because of little things. It's not about how long they've been together. It's about how well they know each other and deal with each other, etc.