Love + Sex

Monday, November 30, 2009

Is 21 too young to get married?

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]
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Comments 1,081-1,086 of 1,086
  • lauren's Avatar
    Posted by lauren Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:52am PDT

    In my opinion I think that he is trying to stick to his vow of no sex before marriage. I think it is an honorable thing he is doing. If he wants to get married and still be pleasing to God noone should put him down for that. He has been datin gher for a long time and I am sure he knows what he wants. Every man is no the same. This young man is financially stable and if he continues to follow bible principles then his marriage will succeed. The problem with other young people today is that they do not follow God's Law and so they become reckless having children out of wedlock and then they feel pressured to get married knowing that this is not the right person for them. In the case with Mr. Jonas he does not have the pressure of having to support children and then marry some brod that he does not love. Mr. Jonas is not too young it seems he has made an informed decision.

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  • Runa's Avatar
    Posted by Runa Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:26am PDT

    Different people grow up at different rates. I've met 20-year-olds who were perfectly ready for lifelong commitment, and I've met 50 year olds who are (or really, really should be) single. I think a person is marriage-ready when they realize that they're going to have to put "self" down several notches on the priority list. As my example, one of my very good friend's mother had some severe commitment issues. When she and her husband had my friend, she resented that she had to give up her "me time" to fulfill her obligations to both husband and child(ren). As her commitment to herself and what she wanted to do outweighed the commitment to her husband, the marriage broke apart. I'm not saying that a person has to be willing to hurt themselves to get married (that would be abuse), but I am saying that a person has to be willing to support the unit before themselves unless the self's safety is compromised.

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  • Bethanayyyy's Avatar
    Posted by Bethanayyyy Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:27am PDT

    AmyH you said everything I was thinking! Age is not always a factor as long as you are doing it for the right reasons, are aware of what it takes, and are willing to show respect, maturity, commitment, and responsibility to each other it can and will work out. If those things aren't done, no matter what age you are at the relationship will fail.

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  • MattH's Avatar
    Posted by MattH Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:14am PDT

    who cares hes famous it aint gonna last anyway

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  • Anastacia's Avatar
    Posted by Anastacia Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:14pm PDT

    I think he is doing it just to get laid. I don't see them lasting at all.

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  • audi's Avatar
    Posted by audi Thu Oct 1, 2009 10:56pm PDT

    21 years old is just too young. Wish them wedded bliss, though.

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Comments 1,081-1,086 of 1,086

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