Is age seventeen too young to be thinking about marriage and commitment?

Yes both my sisters got married when they graduated from high school and both divorced. They always felt they lost out on something. They both never had a chance to have their own apartment, get their careers going, get a sense of where they really wanted to live. lost out on travelling...

Yes. As a general rule. Now sure, I could tell you I've met people who got married as teens, had nine children and are still together in their 80s. But this doesn't mean it is common.

You have to accept that no matter how mature you think you are, you have a lot to learn about life. You are still children in the eyes of the law.

The smart thing to do if you are really serious in your relationship is to get a promise ring. In a few years, maybe make it an engagement. Then perhaps get married in your 20s some time.

If you are both really committed to each other, you don't need a piece of paper, or an expensive ceremony to prove this to the world. Just decide to be exclusive and see what happens.

Until you are financially in a situation where you can move in together, getting married is also pretty silly. This is why you at least need to be in college or working a job that pays well enough that you can move out on your own.

YES!!! at 17 you should be having fun and thinking about college...you are still discovering who you are..let alone trying to learn how to be a wife and be that committed. I got married at 29 and I had my fun and was ready to settle down and I will never wonder what's it's like to experience things!! Because I KNOW and I'm not saying that marriage is not fun, i love being married but I'm glad i waited b/c the person I was at 17 is NOT the same person I am now and the bf I had at 17 would not have made a good husband or father.

Statistics bear out that a huge percentage of people who get married that young end up in divorce. The reason? They didn't enjoy all that life had to offer. They never played the field. Also, you aren't fully developed emotionally yet, and as you age you change. It's tough enough if you get married in your mid 20's let alone at 17. Basically you have too many strikes against you getting married that young.

Sure, there are some that get married at 17 and live happily ever after, but trust me...they are far and few between. I would strongly discourage my children from getting married that young, but if they were bound and determined, I wouldn't stand in their way either.

Yes...Yes...Yes!

My husband and I met when I was 17 and I thought it would be perfect...we had a baby and were in love. Well, I still love my husband and we have 4 kids now but I'm 25 now and my views on life are completely different than they were 8 years ago. I'm in a tough spot now. I don't regret things I've chosen but you definately need time to grow, discover and experience. With the divorce rate so high, there is no need to marry until you have enough time, experience and fun together. There is no reason you can't be engaged for a longer period of time. Think about the commitment but don't act on it yet.

Well you can listen to those over the age of 30 that say that you should wait until you are at least 25, or you can listen to those that are at least 25 that will tell you that the person they loved when they were 17 and 18 was different when they hit their early 20's. At 17 and 18 it all sounds good until you get to 22-23. That's when reality hits.

absolutely. people I admired when I was 17 are now questionable. You think you know- but have no idea how much you are going to change from now until adulthood. What most people don't understand- is that those changes severely evolve your relationships too. Major mistakes are made at that age- based on feelings you think are real. My husband married his first wife- they got together when he was 17...... it was a 6 year nightmare with two kids. and now I have to deal with her because of that tie to the kids, even though the father has custody.

You read this and say- well- I'm smarter than that- or its not gonna be that way for me, I'm not you......

I've seen it happen so many times..... dont lose your childhood just yet.

It depends.

Are you able to support each other financially and not depend on family, friends, or the government?

I was married at 18, had a baby at 19, 22, and 23. We have been married for 7 years and are doing much better than some of the older parents of our childrens friends.

We did it and I don't regret it. Just make sure you are able to take FULL responsibility for the two of you. Find your own place to live, pay your bills with your money, and don't file for government assistance.

Its not to young to be thinking about it. But in all practicality its too young to persue it. Sure you will find many people who can say that it worked out for them or someone they know. But the vast majority of relationships at 17 do not make it to 19. If it is meant to be then it will happen, dating for a few years shouldn't cause a split or a problem for a couple who is truely meant to be together.

Just continue reading this board for about an hour and the thought of marriage will quickly leave your mind! : )

Edit: Although my wife was 17 when we got married, I was 21. We've been married 16 years.