You are 18, ready to the embrace adulthood. A certain someone has stolen your heart, filling your head with thoughts of marriage and happily ever after.
 Being married and going to college or jumping into the working world, your life seems just a little more perfect. Then, you start growing up more, meeting new people, learning new concepts, and fully coming into your skin. The marriage then starts to disperse, and your life crumbles.
 According to surveys, the ideal ages to get married are 25 for woman and 27 for men. Usually by that time, the person is out of college, has a stable income, and is more confident in him or herself.�
 I was raised on that very belief, and, to this day, that thought has not changed. I want to graduate and start my career before I get married. I want to live on my own and find out more about myself before I commit to another human being.
 I do want a family, but I also want a successful career. I want to be able to support myself, in case the marriage does not work out.
 According to the Love to Know Answers for Women’s website, 49 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce, but the risk of divorce decreases by 24 percent if you marry over the age of 25.
 Waiting until at least your mid-twenties gives you a chance to date different people. As you change, your ideas of a soul mate change; the person you end up with can be the opposite of what you expected. You cannot explore multiple options if you marry the first person you are serious with.
 I will never fully understand why people do get married so young; I feel like you truly haven’t grown up enough to have that kind of commitment.
 Everyone is different. People lead different lives and have different experiences and expectations. Perhaps you have found that special someone at 18, 19 or 20.
 According to Abigale Vining, 20, sophomore, pre-nursing major, and Matthew Vining, 21, junior, engineering studies major,  have known each other since freshman year of high school, dated since March 17, 2008, were engaged since November 2009, and married summer 2010.
 “Married life is a bit more stressful,” Abigale Vining said. “You have a certain sense of responsibility much greater than that of which when you are dating, and it causes some stress but overall it’s great.”
 In relation to her college life, Abigale Vining views her relationship as a positive thing.
 “Being married in college helps me maintain my goals on graduating, and it’s amazing how much encouragement your spouse will give you daily.”
 A main problem the couple now faces is finances.
 “It’s financially hard enough being a newlywed or a college student, but once you combine them then it’s extremely rough,” Abigale Vining said. “But we think it’s worth it.”
 I know marriage can work no matter the age, but you should still get to know yourself and have a sense of stability before you join together with someone in that sacred bond.