Life as we know it is filled with hot takes. Solicited or not, there they are. We see them as we scroll through Twitter, they are discussed in length on talk shows, we hear them through the group chat, and sometimes we are told, face-to-face, how our choices rank.
As an independent person, I don’t tend to ask for advice or help; when people reach across my barrier of reluctance, I see it as a sign of compassion. I’m open to opinions. Usually.
There are some cases, though, where I’d rather throw away those unsolicited two cents, and trade them for something I can actually use. This happens most often on the internet, when I see men debating how women should act, dress, and perform in socially constructed scripts. I avoid the comment section like the plague of misogyny it is.
Sometimes opinions are a little harder to avoid, especially when they’re personal. While I have a lot of material for people to discuss—note my English degree, my side-gig as a cannabis freelance writer, or my ongoing dietary struggles (currently saying goodbye to dairy and gluten, notable favorite subjects of Angry Commentators)—the most obvious is my marriage.
Well, not so much my marriage. People who know me and my husband and have been around our relationship, don’t have any qualms with us having said our nuptials; there’s never an issue of “not ready,” “wrong for each other,” or “not gonna last.” More, the problem lies at the age at which I am, and the fact that I am also married.
I was married at 22, and some people do not like that.
Too bad, folks
It doesn’t come up very often (thankfully), though there is a rogue comment every now and then. It happens when we meet with friends for the first time in a while, usually people our age that can’t comprehend making the marriage leap. It’s more common for people to talk about us, though, distinctly making sure we’re in earshot.
I’ve heard, “Why?! They have the rest of their lives to get married,” or some variation of, “That is way too young for us, how could anyone possibly be ready?”
[A direct message to the two-centers with the particularly nasty commentary: We can hear when you make petty comments that early twenties are wayy too young for marriage. And that’s probably valid for you and your relationships. Try not to let your insecurities seep into our happy lives, though. Not all hot takes are good ones.]
There’s also been—albeit rare—a call to the patriarchal nature of marriage, and how it’s not even a relevant structure anymore, now that women are able to act for themselves.
I hear them. I’m a feminist, and a proud supporter of Being An Individual Person. I kept my last name. We dated for five years before getting engaged. We didn’t live with each other until several years in. We were practical, logical, and responsible, all around. However, I’m also a lover. Hugely. I write poems and fantasize and create cheesy gifts of appreciation. I cannonball into feelings, splashing and whirl-pooling my way through waves of emotion.
I’m someone who found their soulmate, enjoyed dating, then said vows on a mountain. We didn’t skew the timeline, it just took place earlier than most people.

I’m so thankful that we got married. Marriage and dating aren’t quite the same, similar to how self-proclaimed dog-moms aren’t actually parents (Mother’s Day posts about the pooch are grossly inappropriate). You can be completely fulfilled, just in a slightly different way. Nothing is missing, but the experience deviates, even if just slightly. For us, this step from dating to marriage was a natural progression, and I honestly cannot imagine a life without being legally tied together, forever.
Regardless, any commentary about being 22 and married is moot: it happened. We can’t go back. The deed is done. We’re now 23 and 24, and continuing the pursuit of our best lives.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Well, I guess it’s back to work now. I’m going to have to remember to not open your blog when I should be being productive. Very good take on this subject. I was certainly not ready at 22, but maturity levels are different (I probably won’t be ready at 62 based on maturity). Either way, I’m glad I subscribed!
Oh my goodness, what a compliment! Thank you very much. There is definitely no 100% unified appropriate age for getting married; some people want to (and should!) wait until they are emotionally mature, financially secure, or just until they meet someone who fits their list of qualifications. It’s so interesting and diverse. Thanks for reading and subscribing!
Congratulations on your united journey through life! As I have written within my books and my blog posts, soulmates uniting is but a blessing from The Heavens Above. Blessings from Seattle.
Thank you! It is a wonderful feeling to have a partner in life. Sending warm thoughts from Colorado.
I enjoyed reading this post a lot. I think everyone has a different path and it seems like getting married earlier worked out well for you. I think when you find your person that’s all that really matters. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I definitely think that everyone faces different situations, goals, and desires, and they have to align with their partner’s to work out. I’m super lucky that way. And totally agree—while it’s been great for me to get married young, it isn’t the cards for many others. No judgements need be passed either way. Thanks for reading!
I was married at 30, because that was how long it took to find that kind of relationship.
Are you happy with having gotten married at 22? Is it working for you and your husband? If so, other people can go pound sand.
I love this comment! Sometimes it takes a while to find the right person, sometimes it takes time to build a relationship to the point you’re ready to get married. And other times, it just doesn’t happen. I’m very happy about my path, and I will keep the sand pounding in mind for the next time this comes up. 🙂
Mmmm I don’t know why but this post was so unapologetic and I loved it. Married at 22, I wish I got married at 22. I am pushing 27, with no potential candidate for marriage, so I am not quite sure when that is going to happen lol.
I am so inspired by you both and I glad you chose to get married despite what anyone had to say. I pray that your marriage will continue to flourish, keep doing what you to do best.
Lots of love Jenna xxx
Thank you so much, that is so sweet! This is definitely one of my sassiest posts for sure, haha. 🙂
I was very lucky to find my person early in life, which I know is getting to be very uncommon in the millennial dating culture. Hopefully if marriage is really important to you, you are able to find someone who meets all of your qualifications and cherishes you for who you are.
Sending you lots of love and warm thoughts!
Congratulations! Glad to see it worked out very well for you x
Thank you very much! Also, thanks for reading! 🙂