How many times have your parents or grandparents pressured you to get married and start a family? I know that my grandmother thinks it is absolutely insane that I am 32 years old and have never been married, nor do I even have a desire to have children. She thinks I am broken and that there is possibly something very wrong with me.
In the past couple of decades there has been a huge switch from the 20s being a time when everyone settled down, to this now happening in the 30s. Of course people do settle down in their 20s and this is perfectly fine and wonderful, but if you haven’t that’s okay too! My parents both got married (the first time, before I came into the world) right out of high school and at this point in time that was almost the norm, but certainly by the mid-20s.
Why the switch? People are getting more selfish, and in the best way possible. Both men and women are taking the time to finish school, get their “wild years” out of way, and establish themselves in a career and maybe even buy a house before they find that special someone.
Even couples who marry in their early-mid 20s may wait until they are older before having children to be sure they are financially stable for such responsibility.
Personally, I have been so consumed with school, becoming more financially responsible, and establishing my career that I haven’t been ready to settle down. I know many people who are in the same boat that I am, and I am convinced that this is slowly becoming the norm. Plenty of my friends are just getting married and having children now – though one of my friends’ oldest daughter is starting high school this year and that makes me feel incredibly old.
30 is the new 20! The 20s have become a time for exploration, curiosity, education, travel, dating, friendship, and coming to grips with adulthood. Maybe we will be more prepared for family and responsibility than those who settle down in their 20s – and maybe not, who knows? Either way, this is happening.
Today we live longer, we are becoming healthier, and we are more independent than ever before. Maybe we are “starting life” 10 years later than other generations, but if we are living 10-20 years longer, then does it really make a difference?
