This past week has been all about preparation for marriage, which is a great topic and I love talking about it because it SURPRISE  I'm not married so I love talking about it. One of my roommates is engaged and the other is planning on getting engaged very soon so marriage is a very hot topic in my apartment! It was very interesting especially today when we were talking about the steps to marriage and time and talking and such because being not married or in a relationship my self I like to learn all of these things before I make the mistake of not following these guidelines.

Something that was brought up was time, how long to date someone and the research on this. Now just looking at it from the worlds standards research has shown that couples who are dating for at least a year have the best chance of staying married. Which is a very reasonable time even looking at it from a religious stand point. However this opinion was brought up and it happens to be mine as well. That the Lord puts people in our path for a reason and sometimes when you know, you know. Now I am not saying that you should PLAN on meeting someone date for a month get engaged and then be married 2 months later, and I'm also not saying that, that wont happen. I believe that when you are with someone and things are going well and you pray about it and receive and answer from God then why not? But in my personal opinion that probably wont happen and you should plan on dating someone longer, dont expect to want and have it work out to get married after a month.

That is just from my religious stand point but I heard a quote one time and I dont remember who it was by or were it was from but it said

"When you know what the rest of your life is going to be, you want to start it as soon as possible"

I think that is so true, dont be afraid to get married soon because you think people will think its too soon. But also dont be afraid to date someone longer because you dont feel like you are ready. Do the best thing for you but keep in mind to not rush things you want to be as sure as you can because you will be with this person for eternity.