One of my close friends took a leap of faith and decided to make the most serious commitment one person can make to another. On New Year’s Eve, she proudly stood in front of all her loved ones and made a vow of loyalty, sustenance, and affection. In doing so, she married the man of her dreams. The love of that day was evident and without reservation. Does the fact that she is only 18 years old change this fairytale story? Teen marriage has always been a debate topic among Americans. In our society and culture, teen marriage is neither encouraged nor accepted.

Throughout history, families marry off their sons and daughters at early ages. These teens were not marrying for love, but for economic benefits, political standing, or to carry on the family blood line.

But take Romeo and Juliet – arguably one of the greatest love stories of all time. The pair was madly in love, yet their romance was not accepted by their community or family because they belonged to rival families; the Montagues and Capulets. Everyone was enraged by the relationship, yet no one saw an issue with the fact that Juliet was 13 and Romeo no older than 17.

So why, now, is marrying young accompanied by such a negative connotation? This speculation is most likely due to the statistics formulated by sociologists that state fifty percent of marriages before the age of 25 end in divorce within 15 years. But, as with marriage at any age, teen marriage is not just another sociological statistic.

That is not to imply that teen marriage is easy. Financial stability, maturity, completing education, and establishing one’s self in the working world are all challenges that young couples are confronted with. These obstacles may seem great, but they are not impossible to overcome.

Marriage, especially young marriage, is a matter that merits a great deal of thought. It requires a plan be made for your future and your new life as a married couple. It is a great commitment that shouldn’t be made light of, at any age.

A couple needs to have a strong foundation to start this incredible journey and being in school, or fresh out of school, makes it hard to establish that solid foundation. The young couple is no longer dependent on their parents, but dependent on each other.

If you truly do love that someone, do not be afraid to take that leap. Having the strength to constrain yourself to that person should prove that you are ready to take on all the obstacles thrown in your way. “For better or for worse. In sickness and in health. Till death do you part.”

If you feel you have found “the one” and you’re prepared to make that commitment and all that comes with it, don’t let age hold you back, whether you’re 18 or 80. I once heard the saying “When love is not madness, it is not love.” So let them call it madness – you’re only madly in love.

aachambe@mesastate.edu