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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Is 21 too young to get married?

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Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Kevin Jonas, the oldest Jonas Brother, is engaged to his girlfriend, Danielle Deleasa, after two years of dating. The couple met while vacationing with their families in the Bahamas. 21-year-old Jonas flew directly from his concert in Vancouver to Deleasa's New Jersey home to propose. "It was tough performing last night, knowing that I was going to ask the biggest question in my life to the most amazing girl in the world," he says. Sure, popping the question is nerve-wracking, but could Jonas be extra nervous because he is very young? And more specifically, one who wears a promise ring?

"Our hearts are filled with joy today and we are happy to share with you that our son Kevin has asked Danielle for her hand in marriage," say Kevin's parents in a statement. "Family is very dear to us, and we hope we have raised Kevin to be a wonderful man and husband. Please join us in our family's celebration and in congratulating Kevin and Danielle. Thank you for all of your support." We're happy Jonas has the blessing of his parents, but we can't help but view him as the clean cut and virginal pop star with prepubescent fans. Will teens still have crushes on him when he's married? Will he, as a role model, encourage more youngsters to want to get married at a young age?

Generations ago, 21 was a very common age to get married, but as times change, priorities shift, divorce rates grow, and people desire to play the field before settling down, the average age for marriage has increased to 26 years old for women and nearly 28 for men. These days, it seems more common for people to date for a longer period of time to make sure the relationship will last, if they even marry at all.

Do you think a 21-year-old guy really knows what he wants and who he wants to be with for the rest of his life? [People][USA Today]

Related: weddin, proposal, music, marriage, kevin jonas, jonas brothers, engagement, danielle deleasa

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Comments 1-10 of 1,086
  • *GoldenGirl*™'s Avatar
    Posted by *GoldenGirl*™ Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:18pm PDT

    I think it is kind of young, only because I married very early on- right after school and well I have to say that one failed, now that I am older I am more clear on how things work, how couples deal with things and how to communicate better, so they may not last, they are young, he is in the public eye and that makes it a bit more complicated than the average marriage. But I wish them good luck.

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  • 80'sgirl's Avatar
    Posted by 80'sgirl Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:19pm PDT

    YES!!! I got married at 18 lasted 9-months biggest mistake of my life!!

    thank god for divorce!!!

    Report Abuse
  • DisplayName's Avatar
    Posted by DisplayName Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:31pm PDT

    SexyLady25- the advice you offer is only as good as the person who is giving its experience, your not married, and you broke up with your guy 24 hours ago and arent talking (childish) and you are already hooking up with a new guy, sounds like you need to get your own life in order and not speak on what you dont know.

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  • Orien's Avatar
    Posted by Orien Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:37pm PDT

    I don't think so. I got married 8 months ago, when I was 21 and I am very happy with my husband.

    I think that not matter how old you are, the real question of whether a marriage will last is not how old the two people are, but how well they respectfull handle their relationship with their mate.

    Look at all of the cases marriages in America breaking up. More often than not, peope get divorced not because of their age, but for reasons of behavior of one or both parties, that does not show their mate love and respect.

    That's what it comes down to: LOVE AND RESPECT-if you have those in your marriage, you can be 18 and have a good and lasting one.

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  • MiLLY's Avatar
    Posted by MiLLY Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:54pm PDT

    They say she is a "LONG TIME GF"

    Wth??? 2years is not a "LONG TIME"

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  • MiLLY's Avatar
    Posted by MiLLY Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:54pm PDT

    They say she is a "LONG TIME GF"

    Wth??? 2years is not a "LONG TIME"

    Report Abuse
  • Jess's Avatar
    Posted by Jess Thu Jul 2, 2009 2:08pm PDT

    If they truly love eachother and want to get married, who else's business is it? Let them learn from their own mistakes. I just hope that they aren't getting married JUST to have sex.

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  • LISAL's Avatar
    Posted by LISAL Thu Jul 2, 2009 2:09pm PDT

    He is way to young to be getting married. I think the only reason he is getting married so soon is because he wants to have sex. His parents are forcing those boys to be good role models, and not allowing them to be normal guys. Virginity rings? Come on, we are living in 2009, not 1950!

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  • Stephanie's Avatar
    Posted by Stephanie Thu Jul 2, 2009 2:34pm PDT

    Can I just point out that they haven't set a date yet? I know a couple who got engaged at the age of 18 and then had a five year engagement, so that they got married at 23. For all we know, Kevin and his fiancee will do the same and not get married until they turn 26.

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  • Stephanie's Avatar
    Posted by Stephanie Thu Jul 2, 2009 2:36pm PDT

    Note to my above comment: I do realize that waiting five years isn't likely, but I just think we need to look at the entire situation before we make snap judgments about this!

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