my twilight zone

Just recently, I was able to hang out with my friends from back home. I learned that there was “something” going on between two of them. I was surprised about that, weirded out really, but the biggest bombshell was that two other friends were already planning their wedding that would supposedly happen in 2 years. Well, no proposal or ring yet, nevertheless it seems that their minds were set—more the girl’s mind that is. Her boyfriend’s in the US right now, so I haven’t really heard his side on the matter. It didn’t take a while for the marriage idea to be passed around the table. They didn’t even ask me, they just said I’d be next. My boyfriend and I have been together for 2 years and 9 months now; they’re probably basing their assumptions on how long we’d been together and the fact that there had been no big issues between me and him.

When I got home, I sat up in bed for a while and pondered on what was happening. We’re all about the same age, early to mid twenties. Everyone’s working. Well, except me, still stuck in college. Anyway, it’s just astonishing how I have friends who are seriously talking about marriage. I felt like I was in the twilight zone. We’re all just in our twenties. Marriage means for-the-rest-of-your-life, “till death do we part.” Merely a month or two ago, we were talking about what to drink, the sitcoms we all enjoy, and the funny things that happen to us. They talk about work and careers, now all of a sudden it’s marriage? Oh, did I mention that one whole night they were thinking of baby names? Baby names for goodness’ sake! Well, some of our other friends had their accidents and have kids right now. One friend passed away in a car accident and left a daughter. Do we all have to live life on the fast lane?

I have thought about it and my boyfriend and I have talked about it. We decided not to do anything till we’re ready, like rich ready. My friends are actually set, the guy is rich, but I’m sure you’d agree that financial stability isn’t the only issue when it comes to marriage. There’s compatibility, emotional stability, the in-laws, not to mention the children, if or when they decide to have them. I’m certain there’s more on the list of things-to-consider-before-getting-married, but maybe when two people are in love that’s enough.

It’s scary to get into anything hastily. These days so many married couples are separated, annulled, or cheating on each other. Hey, I’m pragmatic and I think, being in our twenties, we’re all still too young for that kind of commitment and involvement. I’m not against marriage. I believe people should take time to know each other in as many aspects as they can, maybe live with each other for a while so they don’t find themselves at each other’s throats in the future when they realize they can’t stand something their spouse does.