Opinion Essay on Marraige

Young people today have a tendency to rush into commitments before fully understanding what they are getting into. One of the most serious of these is marriage. Much like me when I was eighteen, some teens believe they are truly ready for that type of relationship. Others may be forced into it somewhat by their parents, usually due to a pregnancy. My opinion is that there should be a minimum age of twenty-one in every state for marriage.

This commitment is taken lightly by many teenagers. The factors causing teenage marriage are as varied as the effects. Sometimes marriage is looked at as an escape from difficult situations at home or with parents. Parents may even encourage their children to get married before they are ready to assist their own financial situations. Other teenagers get involved in serious relationships from a very young age. This could lead to pregnancy or even the idea that they must move on to the next step before they are really ready.

There are several serious effects and problems associated with rushing into marriage. Anyone considering getting married should be aware of some devastating statistics and possibilities. In Eleanor Ayer's book, Teen Marriage, she noted that: "A girl married at 17 is twice as likely to be divorced as a girl 18 or 19. If a girl waits until she is 25 the chances that her marriage will last are 4 times better.” More than one half of those who marry in their teens will be divorced within five years.

This large percentage is due in part to the lack of realization of the many sacrifices that must be made in order to have a successful marriage. Another factor that affects this statistic is the widespread acceptance by society of divorce. If people would enter into the commitment of marriage without thinking of divorce as an option, relationship problems would be looked at more seriously and solved before marriage. Many married people must also sacrifice their own independence and their