By Jasmine Demers
Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief
Never in a million years did I think that I would be married at 20 years old. I was supposed to just think that boys had cooties for the rest of my life.
Yeah, right. Most of us know it doesn’t work that way, and have an undeniable desire to love and to give into attraction. So yes, I fell in love and married my high school sweetheart, and I can honestly say that I have never been happier in my life.
I want to make a case for young love and young marriage. People should know that being young does not automatically assume a mere “puppy love” capability. A person’s heart does not simply become “mature” enough to love when you hit a certain age. It is a constant and ever-evolving inner emotion, and it is indestructible.
When I married my husband, it was like I was suddenly sitting in an interrogation room, awaiting my own persecution. Everywhere I looked, I found judgment and misunderstanding. I could probably write a book about all of the young marriage stereotypes I’ve heard, so, let’s start with the top three myths of young marriage:
Number one: The only reason you could possibly get married that young is because you’re pregnant. Nope, not in my case. Believe it or not, I got married simply because I am head over heels in love. I found an amazing friend and partner in crime that I want to share the rest of my life with.
Number two: You must have had a courthouse wedding. Wrong again! I was married in a beautiful church surrounded by my friends and family. I had flowers, a white gown and the whole shabang.
Number three: You don’t have family support. Just because YOU might not agree with young marriage, does not mean that my family is unsupportive. They have stood by me through everything and I am very proud of the relationship that my parents have with my husband.
Myths= busted.
I think it’s important for people to understand that it is okay to be in love. It is okay to give someone your everything, and to allow them to love you back. I’m definitely not saying that you should get married after dating someone for a month, or after saying “I love you” for the first time; however, it is completely okay to make that decision when it is right for you and right for the person you love, whether that is at 20 years old or 60 years old.
No one should ever tell you that it isn’t okay to express feelings of love based on specific standards set by society. Young love is not wrong and you do not have to accept that ignorance. If you have the opportunity to share that with someone, then you have to hold onto it. Things in our lives are always coming and going, but true love will be constant and lasting.