How Long Should You Date Before Getting Married?

There has been so much said about dating for a specific number of years before getting married. While many believe you should date your partner for a couple of years, so you can get to know much about them, others believe that once you find your soul mate, why wait?

But then, does courting for a long time really guarantee a good marriage? A Twitter user once mentioned how her parents dated for only two months, but have been married for the past 24 years, wonderful right? I have also had those that dated for 10 years and then got divorced after a few years of being married. So really, how long should you date before getting married? I'll leave that for you to answer.

What are the pros and cons of long or short dating span?

• When you date for long, you get to know yourselves better. Most people believe that when you date for a longer period of time, then you will know all there is to know concerning your partner.

What does research say?

A recent research, carried out by researchers from Emory University following three thousand couples found that "those who dated three or more years were 39 percent less likely to get divorced than those who dated less than a year. Couples that dated for two years were 20 percent less likely to split." But then, isn't the human nature a dynamic one?

• Couples that dated for a few months can also have a really happy ending. Here's what Stephen J. Betchen, DSW, author of 'Magnetic Partners' said, "I recommend a minimum of one year provided each partner has a good, clear understanding of what they are looking for in a mate."

The purpose of dating is to get to know someone as much as possible before tying the knot. So before you get married, whether you date for a year or ten years, can you answer these questions?

• Are you hoping your partner will change certain things after marriage? If you are, there's a problem!

• What exactly are you attracted to? If it is looks or money, those might wane with time.

• Do you know many sides of each other, or all there is to know?

• Do you really have a clear understanding of what you want in a partner?

Now let me ask you, how long would you date before getting married? Kindly share your thoughts.

Photo credit:ibyishimo.com

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