When asked regarding their opinions on marriage, there are many reasons behind the generational gap among millennials and previous age groups. The younger generation is being more financially practical with marriage, expressing a lighter outlook on its significance in society. The pressure to tie the knot is becoming frowned upon. Millennials often aim to take control of their lives without succumbing to unsolicited concerns from older age groups.
Instead, couples of today prefer to look toward commitment more casually. Marriage brings a connotation of formalizing the relationship, along with the warning signs of possible failure similar to the unions that came before. Another reason for hesitation is the lack of funding for a glamorous event and the other expected commitments that follow (like having a child). Religion and tradition could also be factors in the decision to get married later on rather than tying the knot as soon as possible.
To sustain the relationship toward the goal of a potentially more formal union in the future, couples can have affordable promise rings that can be a reminder of the devotion that you and your loved one have for one another. It acts as a symbol of your intent to marry and can be an eye-catching placeholder for the meantime. As couples push through toward achieving financial stability together, they can look forward to the day when they might feel truly prepared for a lifelong commitment.
When holding on to a dream, a tangible reminder can have a significant effect on your ability to persevere. Once you decide on a long-term goal, it can be easy to lose sight of it along the way unless you have something to physically help you recall what you are aiming to achieve. You can write notes or letters for one another, make art for each other, value your pictures together, and so on. It does not have to be an expensive item. In fact, handcrafted gifts could be the best way to go, depending on the receiver’s love language.
Other people might prefer material things, or no presents at all. A person’s love language is often indicative of how they expect to communicate in a relationship. When you both have conflicting love languages, it would be best to find a compromise or learn to tolerate one another. Openly communicating your needs and feelings can be a great way to reinforce your love for one another while establishing clarity. This way, you can both avoid misunderstanding each other in the future.
Honest and open communication is not just limited to your feelings and needs. Finances are often a determining factor in the success of the relationship. This does not mean that you have to share everything with your loved one. You can always keep your finances to yourself, but it is crucial to sort out how you will divide expenses when you are living together. Groceries, utilities, rent, and other costs can add up, so it would be ideal to have a serious conversation about who will be responsible for what.
Work together as a team to reach whatever goals you have in mind for one another, whether it is a house of your own, a marriage ceremony to remember, or emergency funds for each other. Whatever your goals are, you can strengthen your relationship by motivating your significant other to get there. It is a way for you to validate their desires and, in some cases, align your dreams with theirs.
Going through life while supporting each other in your respective goals will create a more positive and endearing relationship. You could inspire one another to get through whatever obstacles come your way. Couples last long when they understand that it is a matter of ebbing and flowing, knowing how to lift each other when times are hard. Celebrate each other’s victories and be aware of how you benefit one another.
These are intangible and may seem arbitrary to a generation that needs to see to believe. But once you find that note of unconditional love, you can overcome nearly anything for one another.
Marriage is never the first step to a relationship because people want to explore or be sure about what they are getting into. However, it could also happen that you end up with the right person, just without the resources or the intent to marry yet. Whatever happens, persevere in your dreams together, and you will get there.