First Marriage - Do you wish you'd waited longer?

[Barefoot]

I started dating my first husband when I was 15 and married him nine years later. Of course I thought marriage would change him from a womanizer to a family man. Right! We were divorced a year later.
Anyone have stories to share? (I love the ones with the happy endings). lovehorse

[njgranny]

We got married when I was 20 and he was 19 (there are 6 months between our ages). We had no idea what we were doing. :) :) :) But, we're now working on year 49. Our life has had lots of up and downs, but I'm not sorry that we got married when we did - we had our family young and had an empty nest earlier than lots of people.

Now we have the joy of the grandkids and one great-grand.

My favorite story is one day at dinner, my husband said marriage takes a lot of endurance (meaning by himself, of course). My seven year old son piped up and asked very seriously "endurance on whose part, dad - yours or moms?" I love that kid!!!!!!

[Russ_Boston]

Similar story here NJ - We met when Linda was 17 and I was 19. Married a few years later and going on number 28. Because of this our children have flown the coup while we are still relatively young thus allowing us to look at an earlier retirement location such as TV although I plan to work a little while in TV.

Even if i could I wouldn't change a thing!

[KathieI]

FIRST AND ONLY!! I SWEAR!! :yikes:

I was 37 and single. Waited longer?? Naw, I still didn't do it right!

[renielarson]

We met when we were juniors in college. I was 20, my husband 24 (he was finishing up after 4 years in the Navy). We married immediately upon graduation. At that time, kids married younger than they do nowadays and we were both ready.

Although he has been the constant one in our marriage, I ran into a few curves that caused both of us to reevaluate our relationship. Once I made it through the curves and back on the straight road, I realized I had made the best choice of my life by choosing him as the man I wanted to spend the rest of my days with.

He has been the best husband and father anyone could ever dream of having. I am so fortunate to have him in my life.

[Rokinronda]

I 16, Ed 21. Married day after I was 18, Ed 23. 34th Anniversary, this sunday. I wouldn't change a thing. Sure we had ups and downs. We always worked things out and are happier than ever!

[SteveFromNY]

Happily married to the same wonderful woman for 32 years.
Our 3 children are on their own.
Now it's coming up on our turn!

[Barefoot]

I just love these happy stories. They warm my heart. Congratulations -- I know it takes a lot of hard work and commitment.

I think there is nothing more wonderful than having the same beloved by your side as you face the challenges of life together.

[swrinfla]

This September would mark my 50th Anniversary. Unfortunately my wife died eight years ago.

There were many times that we wondered what the h*** we'd done, but we worked through the problem(s).

Many folks don't quite believe this part: my parents knew Ann's parents for a number of years before Ann's parents knew each other! There was a 16-year difference between their ages, but they were always a couple of lovebirds! My to-be-father-in-law took me to see my very first professional theatre on my ninth (I think) birthday - Oklahoma in pre-Broadway form.

So, there was long-standing family relationship!

SWR

[chelsea24]

I waited for my soulmate. I was the original "Runaway Bride" Engaged 3 times before my one and only husband vetman. When I said I was getting married, 2 of my girlfriends bought me the movie "Runaway Bride". I soooo related to the scene where she's walking up the aisle and then starts to walk backwards. I did that! :o But when I met vetman I knew he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. So after planning all of those weddings before and not going through with them, we took a cruise with some friends of ours and vetman's brother and sister-in-law, and we got married in St. Thomas. He said he figured I wouldn't jump ship because I'm afraid of water. Now, after all these years, he says "hmmmmm, didn't you know where the life jackets were!" He was married before and that was a MAJOR mistake. His words, not mine.

So if I had married those other three times, I still would have ended up with my vetman! I wholeheartedly believe we were meant to be.

[Mikitv]

We met at college and dated for about 3 months and decided to get married. Two months later we were married, at the ages of 19 and 20. It is now 41 1/2 years later and we are still together. I think in our earlier days there were more problems that we worked through. Two individuals trying to live together. We had our family early and were empty nester's at an early age. Our marriage has grown and changed over the years but one constant has been our friendship and love for each other. I was so lucky to find my soul mate accidentally.

[beady]

We were high school classmates but didn't start dating till after I graduated. Married at 20 and started a family immediately...2 kids, lots of ups and downs.....good times and quarrels....We were young when the kids were grown and so we have spent half of our 42 years parenting and the second half having fun and enjoying grand kids. We continue on this adventure and we are still laughing ,agreeing, disagreeing and loving each other totally. lovehorse

[islandgal]

Yes, I would have waited longer.

We met during the beginning of our senior college years (different colleges).
I had planned to go to Europe for a year or had also been accepted as a stewardess for American Airlines (quite exciting in those days). I had already turned down two proposals. I honestly think a lot of it was peer pressure (in the late 50's). Most of my friends were getting married right after graduation or had dropped out of college to get married, but I wanted to explore more.

We married when we were both 23. After 5 years, we had 3 children, and after 21 years - divorce. He remarried (and died when he was 53). I never have remarried. Became a "career" person until I moved here. (Not too many careers available here!!!!)

I am so envious of you who are celebrating your many years together. Cheers to you... :beer2:

[ouma1938]

Great thread Barefoot!
I met my husband at a dinner with several friends. We talked for hours and he asked me to dinner the next night. At that time he asked me to marry him. And I said yes. I was 21 and he was 20. Neither of had any idea of what we were doing? 48 years later we wouldn't change a thing that we did. Even though everyone weknew,and espcially our parents thought we were insane!!!

[Pookirgirl]

Met my boy (man) when we were in 7th grade! I saw him in the hallway and thought he was sooo cute! My friend introduced us and we had our first date at the"girl's gym show". He gave me my first kiss that night and I fell madly in love with him.
We dated all through high school and we married one year after HS graduation. This August we will celebrate our 37th anniversary.

[Avista]

Married just before I was 21. We will soon be celebrating our 47th anniversary. No regrets. Our son also married while in college at 21. They've been married 21 years.

I think it depends if one enjoys the dating scene. I didn't and was very happy to settle down.