When Is the Right Time to Get Married? The Debate over Timing in Asian Relationships
Marriage is a significant milestone in many cultures worldwide, but in Asia, it’s often seen as a crucial step into adulthood. Across the continent, there can be heavy pressure to marry at a particular age or at a specific stage in one’s life. As dating attitudes and relationships continue to shift, the question of the right time to get married becomes increasingly complex.
In the Philippines, for instance, marriage is highly valued as a symbol of commitment and devotion. Filipino families often have close-knit relationships, which means marrying into someone’s family is an important consideration. For some, marrying young is seen as a natural step towards building a life with their partner. However, for others, waiting to marry after establishing a career or traveling is a preferable option.
Thailand, on the other hand, values marriage, but younger generations are challenging traditional expectations. While the majority of Thais still marry in their twenties, more and more are delaying marriage until their thirties. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards marriage and career priorities.
As we know, China’s one-child policy in the past has contributed to a significant gender imbalance in its present population, with men outnumbering women by the millions. This gender imbalance has created intense pressure for women to marry young in order to secure a partner before their options dwindle. The expectation to get married and have children is also instilled in a person’s mind from a young age, with many women feeling the pressure to start a family before turning thirty.
My thoughts about it…
As a woman who grew up in Asia, I have seen firsthand how the debate over when to get married can be fraught with expectations and pressure. In my experience, marriage is not just a personal decision but is also influenced by cultural, societal, and family expectations.
The pressure to get married young is particularly pronounced in my family, where marriage is seen as a symbol of maturity and adulthood. But as someone who is passionate about pursuing my career and traveling the world, I sometimes feel like I’m caught between my personal aspirations and my duty to my family.
So when is the right time to get married?
The question of when to get married has been a constant presence in my life. However, I’ve also been fortunate enough to be part of a generation that’s challenging those expectations and choosing to prioritize personal goals and aspirations.
For me, the decision to get married will always be a personal one. While I value the importance of family and cultural traditions, I also believe that it’s crucial to live life on my own terms. That means pursuing whatever I want, while also being open to the possibility of finding love and getting married when the time is right for me.
Whether we choose to get married young or wait until later in life, we Asian women should be able to embrace our own paths and make decisions that bring us fulfillment and happiness.
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”
― Maya Angelou
