Getting married is a significant milestone in life, filled with love, hope, and anticipation. However, with divorce rates ranging from 40 to 50 percent for first-time marriages, it’s natural to wonder if there’s a way to ensure a long and happy marriage. According to LA-based psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb, the timing of marriage may hold the key to its success.
Gottlieb, known for her bestselling book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, recently shared her insights on the ideal age for marriage on The Diary of a CEO podcast. While it’s obvious that marrying too young can be problematic due to a lack of maturity and life experience, Gottlieb emphasized that individuals in their mid to late 20s often possess a clearer sense of self and their desires, creating a more favorable environment for shared growth within a relationship.
Citing a study by the Institute of Family Studies, Gottlieb revealed that the golden window for marriage lies between the ages of 25 and 30. Individuals who marry at 25 are 50 percent less likely to divorce compared to those who wed at age 20. This optimal age range allows couples to grow together, share experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of each other.
However, Gottlieb noted that getting married after 32 can have negative consequences for the relationship. As individuals accumulate more life experience, they also collect emotional baggage, which can impact their behavior in future relationships. For instance, past experiences can lead to mistrust or unrealistic expectations in a new relationship.
Ultimately, while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the ideal age for marriage, Gottlieb’s insights offer valuable food for thought. By understanding the importance of emotional maturity, shared growth, and realistic expectations, couples can lay the foundation for a long and happy marriage.
