I think we are all different. It has something to do with maturity. I mean first it is attraction and so the love matures as time goes. I met my husband in my teenage years, but we didn't marry before some years had gone. Because of the delayed marriage we had the time to grow together and to set goals for what we wanted for our life together. Of course we wanted children .... and education. It was to combine these wishes with our economy that was the cabal we had to lay. And we were able to lay that cabal.

I think we have to accept that we all are different. Some matures late and that is OK. Some of all the young marriages (from the time I married many years ago) broke when others growed tighter.

I don't feel envious of the young people of today. Many of them doesn't do other things than study and partying, And they wait until they are between 30 and 40 before they have children. May be they are too tired to do what is very important in raising children; to set proper boundaries.

Now in my senior years I can look back on good memories from my younger years and look upon all the hard study years with a smile. It was worth it! On top of it all I can see that my grandchildren are living good lives.

To me the expectations from old times feel right, marry, become parents and grandparents. See your roots and the future ... Be a part of life.

I think the most important a couple of today can do, is to be clear about what they want together (How to raise children together, how to share responsibility for their household, plan for their educations and learn to respect each others boundaries as well as respect for their togetherness). They have to share some common values as well.

One doesn't have to jump on the party and travel wagon. It is possible to enjoy life and travel also when the kids are grown ups ... We are alive all our life. There are always ups and downs in every couple's lives. It is important to know how to tacle that.

For those who have made a mistake when they chose their partner, don't selfblame, but accept it and choose what to do next, leave or build more ... Take the time that is needed to heal. (And if they came from a patological home, they must take take the time to learn what a normal life is before they try to live one).