There are plenty of ways to know when it’s time to get married. You could base it off of the ever-ticking biological clock, get the hint from your less-than-subtle mother or realize that the days of being a bridesmaid are over and you’re the last single one standing. While these might be good indicators that you’re at the appropriate age to wed, you still might not be ready as a person. Before you think about tying the knot, be sure you’ve checked off these eight criteria.
You’re comfortable with being alone
It may seem counter-productive, but you won’t be ready for marriage until you can embrace your solitude. It’s important to love your own company before you can expect someone else to. The longest relationship you’ll ever be in is with yourself; make sure it’s solid before adding someone else into the mix.
You know it’s not all about the wedding
When you imagine getting married, you picture just that: a marriage. Not a wedding. You’ve thought more about the characteristics of the man you’ll spend your life with than the beading on a potential gown. The wedding will end after a few hours – the marriage lasts (hopefully) forever.
You’re financially stable
You’re living within your means and could continue to do so for as long as it takes to find the right person. You’re not looking for a husband as a source of second income, and you would be fine without a joint checking account. A marriage should be viewed as a union of love, not assets.
You know how to co-exist
Whether it’s because of a childhood of shared bunk beds or the year you lived with 16 roommates in a sorority house, you know how to successfully live with another person. You might even be looking forward to the prospect of some company, so the thought of eventually sharing a home doesn’t scare you at all.
You’ve moved on
You don’t get nervous that you’ll run into an ex or wonder about that guy who got away during college. You’ve fully left previous relationships behind and don’t even “casually” check what they’re up to on social media. They remain in the past, and you’re only looking toward the future.
You know how to fight
No, not as in your ability to throw a punch. You have learned how to effectively communicate when you’re frustrated, upset or just in disagreement with another person. You don’t stomp away when you’re mad or shy away from confrontation. Instead, you maturely handle issues head-on when they arise, and are comfortable with compromise.
You’re not on Tinder or Bumble
You’ve moved on from the surface-level attractions of hookup apps and want something more. You’re not interested in swiping right for a corny pickup line and awkward date; you know the right person will come along naturally, and you’re not worried about a timeline
You value love
While it’s not the sole focus of your life, you value love and genuinely want to find it. You appreciate the love you see around you, feel joy at the thought of experiencing it yourself and look forward to the day that you, too, will walk down the aisle.
