What's the rush to the alter?

Before reading the New York Times Style Section's article "Now, the Bad News on Teenage Marriage," I asked myself "What was ever the good news on teenage marriage?!"

Call me crazy (or commitment-phobic), but I can't imagine taking the ultimate plunge right now. I mean, I'm a 22 year-old college graduate with a wonderful boyfriend and even I'm not ready for marriage. 

As I read the divorce statistics and psychological impairments of the early married, I couldn't help but think about how different my life would have been if I had married at 18. Even if I'd gone to college, I wouldn't have been in a sorority or lived in Italy. I also wouldn't have any of my funny bad date stories that are always big hits at parties. What's even more scary to think about is that I would have never truly known what I wanted in a mate. My bad dates and failed relationships each gave me insights to the type of person I ultimately want to marry.

I'm not saying that you can't find true love at 18. I know many couples who are now engaged who were high school sweethearts. I just think that people grow and change too much in their 20s to make marriage at 18 a good idea. 

The next chapter of my life may be marriage or a fabulous job in a foreign country. I love that I don't know what lies ahead of me. When you're married that young you know what's coming. There are no surprises- expect maybe divorce. Your whole life is decidedly linked to another person and you have no time where you can selfishly do whatever makes you the happiest. And that is the really bad news about teenage marriage.