Every time I see a young woman flashing her engagement ring, I want to grab her by the hand, sit her down, and counsel her. It's not that I'm against women getting married while in their 20s; I just know that marriage is so much better when you wait until your 30s. I've been there, done that, and conquered adversity: I'm 34 years old and on my second marriage.
It means I had the courage to leave my home, pick up the pieces, and start my life over when all my friends were getting married and having babies. I could've stayed in an unhappy situation β spending every night sleeping next to someone who no longer wanted to be married to me β knowing I would never have the future of my dreams.
Instead, I chose to chase those dreams. And now, I'm living them. I'm grateful for my "failed" marriage. I prefer to refer to it as a learning experience because it led me to where I'm supposed to be: happily remarried, and mommy to a beautiful daughter and two fur-children. I formed a private online support group, hosted local meet-ups, conducted interviews, and published a book called "Trash the Dress: Stories of Celebrating Divorce in your 20s.
When my marriage ended, I made a list of qualities I wanted in a new mate. And luckily enough, I found someone who meets all the requirements on my checklist. We got married when I was 32 years old, and I can say with confidence that this wedding dress will be preserved. Marriage in your 30s is way better than in your 20s.
Now that I have my happily ever after, I can't imagine going through life with my ex-husband. Marriage works when you've found the right person.
