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FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:

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Re: FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:

  • edited December 2011
    Andplusalso, for the record, just because you don't believe in divorce being an option doesn't mean your marriage will be a success. You can stay together until death and do everything by the Book (meaning Bible), but wind up feeling trapped in a miserable, unhappy relationship. All the counseling in the world may not help if you two grow up and grow apart and just plain don't love each other anymore.

    I am not saying it WILL happen, but it is more LIKELY to happen based on how early in life you marry. I, for one, would give my relationship every statistical chance as well as a healthy dose of romantic hope.

    I also don't see divorce as an "I'm unhappy, wah wah I want out" kind of option. But you can bet your bottom dollar I have done everything I know to do, including spending time as a single adult and making sure I could support myself, before I tied the knot. It wasn't always the easiest thing, but it seemed responsible.

    AND, yes, being able to pay bills and support oneself DOES make one more of a man. In my opinion, of course. I think it's admirable to try, and to pick oneself up by the bootstraps is great. But to keep going and actually SUCCEED despite one's past makes a guy much more of a "man" to me. I hope your BF does succeed. I'm sure he's a great guy and deserves it.
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  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    I didn't say your BF wasn't a man...you did. I'm just going off of what YOU say. Personally I don't think age is 100% what makes you a man or a woman, it has a lot to do with where you are in your life personally. and I do agree with jeana...just because you don't believe in divorce doesn't mean it won't ever happen. A lot of unexpected things happen in life.


  • edited December 2011
    Holy moley you are so incredibly wrong about being able the whole teaching tihng it's not even funny.

    Texas institutions do not offer degrees in education
    You must have a bachelors degree

    There is absolutely no way you can do that in 2 years - it's just not possible. Whoever you have been talking to is either misinformed or out right lying to you. My SIL is a teacher and she had to get a bachelor's degree -her husband is also a teacher and had to do the same thing.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_finally-formal-hello-introduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:832b3345-a6a6-4148-99e9-ee48451f568dPost:78b90d52-26c2-4052-9660-3b5381bdaf22">Re: FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:</a>:
    [QUOTE]OK, before I read any more responses, I want to clarify something that DID make me sound completely idiotic: I realize January 2011 to April 2012 is not 2 years.  I was typing and thinking quickly because I was in a rush to get to work. I will be graduating in 2013 . And yes, I am going to a 2-year college to get a degree in Education. And yes, it is possible because I know someone who graduated from that college and did so. And I've had a teacher who did it. So there's my fix for my own stupid mistake. :)
    Posted by bananapudding91[/QUOTE]

    So are you telling us that the Texas Education Agency is incorrect?  You do not need a Bachelor's degree to teach in the state of Texas?  And you ARE getting a degree in Education, despite the fact that the TEA website clearly states that Texas institutions do not offer that degree?  Interesting.     

    It is possible to complete a short-term program, provided you already have a Bachelor's degree.  This would be the Alternative Certification Program.  Otherwise, every single piece of documentation on the TEA website says that you are incorrect but what do they know.      
  • edited December 2011
    Also - you said you've been living with him for  3 years? You moved in with him when your were 15?
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  • tafft1tafft1 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_finally-formal-hello-introduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:832b3345-a6a6-4148-99e9-ee48451f568dPost:f0b2278c-ab9e-417f-acd6-93f36368f66a">Re: FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:</a>:
    [QUOTE]Andplusalso, <strong>for the record, just because you don't believe in divorce being an option doesn't mean your marriage will be a success. You can stay together until death and do everything by the Book (meaning Bible), but wind up feeling trapped in a miserable, unhappy relationship. All the counseling in the world may not help if you two grow up and grow apart and just plain don't love each other anymore. I am not saying it WILL happen, but it is more LIKELY to happen based on how early in life you marry. I, for one, would give my relationship every statistical chance as well as a healthy dose of romantic hope. I also don't see divorce as an "I'm unhappy, wah wah I want out" kind of option. But you can bet your bottom dollar I have done everything I know to do, including spending time as a single adult and making sure I could support myself, before I tied the knot</strong>. It wasn't always the easiest thing, but it seemed responsible. AND, yes, being able to pay bills and support oneself DOES make one more of a man. In my opinion, of course. I think it's admirable to try, and to pick oneself up by the bootstraps is great. But to keep going and actually SUCCEED despite one's past makes a guy much more of a "man" to me. I hope your BF does succeed. I'm sure he's a great guy and deserves it.
    Posted by jeanacorina[/QUOTE]

    This this and so many other things. And love dosen't pay the rent , put food on the table or is enough alone to keep a relationship or marriage together. Try living on your own away from any help or parent influence and THEN come back and tell me how life really is. Until then../facepalm
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  • hetshuphetshup member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I went to college in TX, I went to a fancy pants private school. All my teacher friends have degrees in history, bio whatnot. Then they got a master's in education. I'm not super clear on all the details. But it took them 5 years. Sure they took summers off, but still 5 years, and that's the accelerated program.

    Also, you've been living together since 15? Who has been supporting you this whole time? The two biggest stressors in a marriage are money and sex. As a financial advisor, I can flat out tell you that you need to be able to support yourself before marriage. That is a maturity thing. 

    Quick:

    How much is rent?
    How much is electricity? Summer and winter?
    How much is milk?
    How do you make lasagne?
    What is the avg interest rate on a student loan?
    How much is auto insurance for a male under the age of 25?

    How much will you make?
    How much will you save?
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  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Her and her BF live with her parents. She explains it all on the student boards


  • tafft1tafft1 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_finally-formal-hello-introduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:832b3345-a6a6-4148-99e9-ee48451f568dPost:2f044817-4b01-4896-8588-a0f5ab9a9a6e">Re: FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:</a>:
    [QUOTE]Her and her BF live with her parents. She explains it all on the student boards
    Posted by bethsmiles[/QUOTE]

    This would never happen under our roof..just..NO. This is part of the issue.
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  • edited December 2011
    Well, maybe the college is lying to me, then. But regardless, I've had a teacher who graduated in just 2 years to teach me when I was inthe fifth grade. I'm not saying the state is lying, I'm stating what has been said to me from the college I am going to attend. If they're filling my head with BS, then they are. But any way about it, I know someone who has done it and the college says I can. :)

    When you get a degree in Education, you must major in something else. Yes, you get the degree in Education, but you get the degree to teach, say, English or whatever subject is your major. Otherwise, you take classes like "Early Childhood Development" and are able to teach young children. There are special classes you must take to teach certain grades, etc. You get the degree in Education, but you've majored in another subject for your specialty.

    He moved in with me when he was 16, I was 15. My dad asked if he could, to take him out of a bad neighborhood, surroundings, etc. We haven't had the finances to go to college; I don't come from a well-off family, so we're working our way through college. Otherwise, we both would've been attending already. He is getting a good job soon, and plans on taking night classes to get a degree. Like a PP said, college isn't for everyone. Some people have to take a different route to get there.

    And because I don't believe in divorce, it won't happen. I have very strong beliefs when it comes to marriage, and even if you can't work through some problems easily, divorce is not an option to me. Or to him, for that matter. I know it will be hard. I'm not naive, even if you may think so. I know what to expect, and I know how to plan out how to get there.

    We're not getting married until we can afford to live on our own. And even if we couldn't, there's nothing wrong with that. You can be an adult and live with your parents. My parents did that for years, even after they had me, and for years afterward (and no, they did not get married because of me, they were married 7 years prior to my birth). They helped support my grandmother, and she helped support them. There's nothing wrong with a combined household, and it makes it easier (financially) for everyone involved, especially if you're just a blue-collar worker.

    Some people think getting married young is a bad idea, others do not. We both know what we're getting into, and we accept each other for better or for worse already. He's been there for me through very adult situations, and will continue to be there for me. We've grown up together, regardless of what you may think. I know we have more growing up to do, but in situations like ours, people tend to grow up and mature a bit faster. Just because we can't afford what others can, doesn't mean we aren't ready for marriage. My parents can't afford a lot of things, and have always worked paycheck to paycheck, but that has never stopped them from being together. Money isn't everything. Who you love and who you have changes everything.

    Like my mother has always told my father: "I'd live with you in a card board box, if I had to. As long as I'm with you." I'd follow him to a card board box and only have one change of clothes, if it was all we could afford. I know the consequences of little money. I know that won't stop me from living a happy life with the person I love. I also know that being financially stable would help tremendously, which is why we're waiting for marriage until we have jobs and the ability to live our own lives.

    No, I don't want to live with my parents for the rest of my life, but if something comes up and I must live with them, no one will hear a single complaint from my mouth. I'd still be living with the people I love. :)

    I've never wanted to live alone, and plan on skipping the experience of living as a single adult. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that; it's not for everyone. :) I admire people who can do that, but it's not for me.

    And anyone can have the opinion that money makes a man, but in my opinion, it is the person that makes the man. Not money. Ever. Just because you don't have money, doesn't make you less of a man. Just because you live in a small community, and just because the economy sucks and there's no jobs, does not make you less of a man. Working for a living. Doing everything you can to support those you love, even if sometimes it isn't enough. Loving those important to you, and standing up for what you believe in. That makes someone a man, in my eyes. But different backgrounds gives people different opinions on that. Any way about it, money will never make anyone anything to me. :)

    EDIT: for misspelling. :)
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  • edited December 2011
    And, for the record. There is no "issue". There's nothing wrong with taking someone in to better their life. :)

    We did not sleep in the same room until I graduated, because no one in our house believed it was the right thing to do, including us. I was 18 when I graduated, not underage.

    :)
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  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    You aren't going to change anyone's opinion with your insanely long posts. But I will comment on a few things from your last post.

    1) You should be way more worried than you seem about the conflict between what the college you are going to is telling you and what TEA website clearly states. If I were you I would get on the phone and tell them to explain to you how that is going to work. Really, you don't want to waste your time/money just to get screwed over. They might not be trying to but some college advisors just suck. Trust me I have heard plenty of horror stories from people who had crappy advisors. I'm not trying to be mean, I'm genuinely concerned for you.

    2) Its true college isn't for everyone. But in this world its becoming more and more necessary to get a job.

    3) You said your BF wasn't a man. Thats what started the whole man vs. boy conversation. And nobody said money makes the man. But being able to support yourself IMO is part of what makes someone an adult.

    4) Your smiley faces are pissing me off. I don't know why but they are really really bugging me.


  • edited December 2011
    I'm not trying to sway anyone's opinion. Trying to change someone's opinion to fit yours is selfish and ludicrous. I'm stating mine. I know my posts are long, but they're responses to everyone else's. Oh well!

    And, because you said my smileys are ticking you off, I'll stop. Like I stated in the original post, I tend to overuse them. I'm a happy person and generally smile in any situation, and since I'm pretty happy I express that with smiley faces. I know it's dumb, but it's a habit.

    And after all of the responses about the college, trust me I'm pretty worried about it and will be discussing it with them soon. The only reason I think I shouldn't be worried (but still am-very, trust me)? Because I know a teacher who has done it herself. I'm still going to research it and talk to the counselors and advisors, but they've already told me I'll get the degree in 2 years. If they're wrong, they will definitely hear from me in a not-so-smiling manner. Multiple times. And I appreciate the concern, because that is definitely a huge mistake on their part.

    And I know I was the one who said my BF isn't a man. At 20, I still consider all "men", boys. Regardless of how high up they are in their career, etc.

    And I completely agree with you about college being necessary! I'm going for a reason; I know what it's like to live on salaries not created by college degrees. He's just going about it the slower way, and if that's what he wants/can do, I'll back him up. But I'm not saying it's the direction I want for myself. College is a must.

    And yes, being able to support yourself is part of what makes someone an adult, but it doesn't make someone as adult. I know from experience, and I'm completely agreeing with you.
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  • heyimbrenheyimbren member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Okay, I'm going to tell you exactly what I told my friend who will only be 19 when she's married in May:

    Yes, you can get married young. Yes, lots of people are successful in doing so. Yes, you can make it as a couple.

    But WHY ON EARTH would you want to make it so much HARDER for yourselves, by getting married young, when you could save yourselves a lot of headaches by just... waiting?

    I'm young too- I'm only nearly 20. At times, I feel like I would love more than anything to be engaged and getting married. Then, I think about it a bit more: BF and I could work things out. We could try. But why do that, when we can take our time and wait? In the meantime, I think developing patience is a good thing.

    Also, I really do not understand "planning" before you're engaged. That's what the engagement period is for: to PLAN a wedding. Otherwise people would get engaged and run to the JoP.

    And if you were only "looking around" to see costs and whatnot- then why are you looking at bridesmaid dresses?! Esepcially when you're not getting married until 2012. For that, there really is no rush.
  • edited December 2011
    The looking at bridesmaids dresses was the MOH's idea. She wanted a taste of what she'd be wearing, and so we looked. I realized a potential problem, and came here to see what a logical solution may be. I can look at things and test opinions. I think it's fun to look around at all of the options, and it was something fun and upbeat to do to pass the time. I looked at a bridesmaid dress that I love to see the cost of it, and I've been searching to see prices of adjustments, etc. If others see a problem with that, that's their fault. I'm not planning. Research. I'm not buying anything.

    And, by the way, I have many reasons for wanting to get married young. Yes, I want to. But I don't feel like putting my life story up here. There's already enough about me on these boards. If you knew the whole story, you'd understand. But, you'd also have a headache after all of the reading because I always type long posts. Haha.
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  • edited December 2011
    I would wager that the requirements were different 8 years ago when you were in 5th grade so while she was able to teach after going to school after 2 years that is not the case now.

    Again - Texas does not offer degrees in education. You choose a major of academic interest and then complete educator preparation courses. Your degree will be in your major that you choose not education.
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  • edited December 2011
    Hmmm. Alright. Well, I wonder why the diplomas of all of the teachers say "education" in big bold letters. You do, in fact, get a degree in education, but it is in a specific genre of such. :)

    I do agree that the requirements have changed. But, regardless, the college allows me a 2-year degree to be able to teach, and that is what I shall obtain.

    I'm done with my introduction now. Everyone knows I'm here, and definitely not going anywhere. :) Nice to meet all of you, and happy posting!
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_finally-formal-hello-introduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:832b3345-a6a6-4148-99e9-ee48451f568dPost:11481736-ee6a-420b-977d-daa9a1f05df5">Re: FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hmmm. Alright. Well, I wonder why the diplomas of all of the teachers say "education" in big bold letters. You do, in fact, get a degree in education, but it is in a specific genre of such. :) I do agree that the requirements have changed. But, regardless, the college allows me a 2-year degree to be able to teach, and that is what I shall obtain. I'm done with my introduction now. Everyone knows I'm here, and definitely not going anywhere. :) Nice to meet all of you, and happy posting!
    Posted by bananapudding91[/QUOTE]


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    Texas institutions do not offer degrees in education
    You must also have a bachelors degree to teach

    This is directly from the TEA website and I'd say they have a better idea of what is required to teach in Texas.

    But go ahead and waste your money getting a 2 year degree that won't allow you to actually teach. But don't come back and be upset when you find in 2 years that you can't actually teach because you haven't met the requirements that the state of Texas has put forward.
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  • edited December 2011
    I'm not going to comment on anything except the education thing.  It is entirely possible that when you were younger, you had a teacher that had a 2 year degree.  Times have changed.  Thanks to NCLB, all teachers must have their teaching certificate to be in the classroom.  Now, you cannot be a classroom teacher in a public school without a Bachelor's degree.

    You may be able to work as a teaching assistant.  You might even be able to get a job in a daycare center or private institution with a two year degree.  But you cannot be a licensed teacher in a public school with a two year degree.  
  • edited December 2011
    Oh no, I won't be upset two years from now when I'm holding onto my teaching certificate. I'll be a very happy person. :)
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_finally-formal-hello-introduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:832b3345-a6a6-4148-99e9-ee48451f568dPost:802e81e6-9246-414a-bb90-8bb783697d45">Re: FINALLY- A Formal Hello and Introduction (:</a>:
    [QUOTE]Oh no, I won't be upset two years from now when I'm holding onto my teaching certificate. I'll be a very happy person. :)
    Posted by bananapudding91[/QUOTE]

    *headdesk*

    Except you won't have a teaching certificate in 2 years because you won't have a bachelors degree which is <strong>required</strong>
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  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    I feel like we are just beating a dead horse here and we might as well just let it die.


  • heyimbrenheyimbren member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    This is from the University of Texas at Austin Webpage, which is talking about State requirements for teaching, not just that specific university:

    (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.edb.utexas.edu/education/students/current/undergrad/programs/">http://www.edb.utexas.edu/education/students/current/undergrad/programs/</a>)

    <h3>[QUOTE]What is teacher certification and how do I get certified?</h3>Teacher certification is a way to ensure that teachers have been trained and accredited as professionals in their field. To teach in a public school in the State of Texas you must hold a valid teaching certificate. To gain teacher certification in Texas you must meet the following criteria:
    <ul><li><strong>You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.</strong></li><li>You must complete teacher training through an approved teacher certification program.</li><li>You must successfully pass the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach.</li></ul>For a list of approved programs and more information on teacher certification in Texas please visit the www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/edprep/region.asp"><a href="http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/edprep/region.asp" rel="nofollow">www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/edprep/region.asp</a><u><font color="#0066cc"> State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)</font></u> website.
    [/QUOTE]

    THEN, the program for certification is 2 years at that university, or you can take it simultaneously as you get your Bachelor's, but you <strong>still need both.

    </strong>HTH, GL.
  • edited December 2011
    I am going to address the education part only. You should listen to the advice the ladies here have given you. I have been a teacher for 10+ years and taught in three different states. There is no way you can earn a bacehlor's degree AND a teaching certificate in 2 years. You have to have BOTH to be a Highly Qualified teacher in any state. You have to be a Highly Qualified teacher to be employed in the public schools under NCLB.

    http://www.tcta.org/nclb/highlyqualified.htm

    While the college I attended offers a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (which gives you a BA in Education and completes your teaching requirements for WA), it is still a 4-year degree. After teaching in other states and meeting teachers from all over, I found that this is not the norm. Most universities require that you earn a BA or BS in an area (not necessarily education--a friend has her bachelor's in business and then got her elementary education credential) and then enter a teacher preparation/credential program which can take an additional 1-2 years, depending on the program.

    Again, I really hope you listen to all of the advice the ladies here have given you. It's good stuff.

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  • edited December 2011
    Bren, I posted the link to the TEA website earlier.  It clearly states what is required to become a teacher.  The 5 basic requirements are: obtain a Bachelor's degree, complete an Education Preparation Program, pass the appropriate certification exams, submit a State application and fingerprinting.

    OP, it sounds like the school may have a Texas Educator Program.  This could be completed in 2 years.  However, you still need a Bachelor's degree in addition to this program.  I would trust the TEA website over any school.  I would take the information that the school has give you and contact the TEA.   
  • edited December 2011
    I never said "money makes a man" or anything like that. You don't have to have pocketfulls of money and a great job and a white picket fence to be a successful adult.

    I SAID being able to support oneself and pay one's bills makes someone more of a man. What those bills ARE could be the bare necessities for all I care. Living within one's means makes a person responsible.

    Living with the constant safety net of parents underneath doesn't really scream "adult" to me.
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  • edited December 2011
    So, as a Catholic you do not believe in divorce... but you ARE apparently okay with living together before marriage and premarital sex (I would gather). This seems a little contradictory. This is the 2nd or 3rd time you have contradicted your self. Everything you have said on this post makes sound like a silly little girl who is too naive and  impressionable to make it on her own. You are going against your own religious beliefs, acting self-righteous, and have allowed your self to make a half thought out plan about your education.

    I realize you do not plan on getting married for 2 more years, and kudos for waiting that long. Hopefully you will get a bachelors and hold off on your wedding for four years, but if you don't use these two years to grow up. Make it a conscious effort to mature and your marriage might have a fighting chance.


  • PaigeMcCPaigeMcC member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011

    OP I think you're a scared little girl that got in over her head and now that people are pointing it out you're panicking and trying to explain your grand plan to us.  A plan that doesn't compute.  I hope, for your sake, that everything works out but I don't plan on giving you any more advice, reading your posts or acknowledging your presence.  And that's pretty extreme b/c I have NEVER blocked anyone.  But you're just fustrating me.  Hope you and your boy are happy.


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  • hetshuphetshup member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    No response to me? Do you not know the cost of those things? 


    I'm too logical. Darn.
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  • jemmini6jemmini6 member
    5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    1.  You can't pick and choose what parts to hold true to with Catholocism.  It's all or nothing.  Sure, Catholics do not believe in divorce, but they also do not believe in living together before marriage, premarital sex, birth control, etc.  It's perfectly fine to say that you don't believe in divorce and never intend to have one, but to back it up with a religion that you are hypocritically following just doesn't make sense.

    2.  Never say never.  Just because you don't believe in divorce, doesn't mean it's not a viable option if you've exhausted all others.  Have you thought about what you would do if your husband cheated on you?  Beat you?  Beat your children?  Granted these are all extreme situations that may never happen, but when entering into a marriage, you need to be prepared for any situation and have a plan for how you will either work through it, or what you absolutely will not stand for.  Obviously, you should never marry someone you think to be capable of something like this, but I know someone who had a physically abusive husband who was nothing but sweet and romantic and perfect before they got married, then he lost his job, started drinking, and become an abusive drunk.  Sometimes, things just don't work out how you plan.

    3.  I know that no matter what people say, you are going to do what you feel is right for you, which is how it should be.  However, PLEASE listen and heed the advise you are given here.  You will find that a lot of people who tell you to wait are telling you from experience.  I know that from age 18 to 23, I have changed so much, had so many life lessons (and still being young, know that I'm in store for many more, I just learned to know that I don't know everything, and never will).  I also know that had I married "the love of my life" at that age, I would already be divorced.  If you truly do not believe in divorce, WHY would you not give your relationship and your marriage the chance that it deserves to be successful?  Statistics don't lie, the younger you marry, the more likely you are to get divorced.  Just because members of your family have made it work, does NOT mean that you will be able to in the same statistical sense that just because so and so won the lottery, doesn't mean you will win it too...Consider your options.  If you are in love now, then you will be in love in 5 years too.

    3.  The amount of money doesn't make the man.  The indepence that [some] money brings does.  If you two cannot live on your own and support yourself 100%, you have no business being married right now.  It's fine to live with your parents and save, but like hetshup pointed out, you obviously don't know how much it really costs to live on your own.  Financial problems are the #1 reason for divorce.  If you guys can't even begin your marriage relatively secure (even living paycheck to paycheck is "secure" so long as you can pay all of your bills and don't build up debt), then you are dooming your marriage long before it even begins.  This gives another reason to WAIT.  Get your degree, get a stable job, save for a downpayment, etc.  These are all things that responsible and mature people do, and generally speaking, people who are responsible and mature have a better chance at a successful marriage.

    Disclaimer:  No, I am not assuming that I know everything about you or your life, I am giving advise based on the information you have given me and based on my own experience and observations.  I highly suggest you take what everyone here has given you and re-assess your situation based on this new insight, look critically at it from other points of view that you may have never thought of before.  If, after you've done this, you still feel that marriage is right for you now, then by all means, I truly wish you the best of luck. 
    Anniversary
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