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What's the optimal age for tying the knot: An examination of the perfect age for matrimony

Navigating the path of personal relationships can sometimes be difficult. Is it better to marry one's childhood sweetheart or wait until advancing years? What is the ideal moment for the commitment of marriage?

The Optimal Age for Matrimony: Determining the Perfect Time for Tying the Knot
The Optimal Age for Matrimony: Determining the Perfect Time for Tying the Knot

What's the optimal age for tying the knot: An examination of the perfect age for matrimony

In the realm of relationships and commitments, the question of the "ideal" marriage age has long been a topic of debate. However, it's essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as both marrying young and waiting can have their advantages and disadvantages.

Since the mid-1970s, the marriage age of Central Europeans has been on the rise. This trend is particularly noticeable among men in higher social circles, a phenomenon that was also observed during the time of renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Today, most men in Central Europe marry between the ages of 30 and 33, while women tend to marry slightly earlier, between 28 and 30.

Getting married at an advanced age could potentially lead to more stable marriages due to personal maturity. However, waiting fifteen years to get married lacks appeal for many, as the charm of being newly in love and getting married is often too enticing to resist.

Freud himself married his wife Martha when he was 30, and she was five years younger. Their deep, intimate feeling for each other, rather than the duration of their relationship and their ages, was the deciding factor for their marriage. This sentiment is echoed by psychologist Jackson H. Brown, who stated that a good marriage depends on finding the right person and being the right person.

However, it's important to note that marriages entered into at a young age can sometimes be a mistake. In some cases, marriages may fail due to the lack of later-developing maturity. On the other hand, marriages of couples who met later after previous relationships often prove to be more stable and durable due to the personal maturity of both partners.

In Germany, the legal minimum age to marry is generally 18 years; marriages of persons under 18 are only allowed in exceptional cases with judicial approval. There is no specific maximum age limit for marriage defined by law. However, for adoption purposes related to marriage, the younger spouse must be at least 21 years old.

Interestingly, in higher social circles today, women are often younger than their husbands. This contrasts with Freud's time, where women in high society preserved their innocence and dowry for marriage.

In conclusion, the key to a successful marriage, regardless of age, lies in the deep, intimate feeling for each other. As Brown suggests, finding the right person and being the right person are crucial elements in building a strong and lasting union.

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