Flash back five or ten years ago and I was your average, awkward, boy-obsessed girl. I laid in bed dreaming about my perfect husband—literally every single night. I was completely convinced that the key to happiness was finding that Prince Charming and getting him to put a ring on it.

I was also convinced that all of this had to be done by the time I was 22 years old, or 23 at the latest. To make sure there was no chance that I ended up alone forever, I made a pack with my 4th grade best friend that if we reached that age and weren’t married, that the only thing left to do was take one for the team and marry each other (thanks for that one AJ). Better safe than sorry, right?

But what now? I’m older and it would be an understatement to say that I’ve changed my viewpoint a little. I’ve grown up watching my friend’s parents cheat, divorce, or spend their marriage fighting. I’ve had friends get married young and divorce before they even hit 25 years old.

Now, I’m not saying that all of the negativity surrounding marriages that I’ve seen lately is just because someone popped the question too early in life, but it might be.

My parents are high school sweethearts, who married soon after. And they are the definition of marriage goals if you ask me. But, I am not my mom or dad, I’m not living the life that they were, and I feel like it wouldn't be fair to myself, or my partner, to commit to forever when I’m still trying to figure out who I am.

Being in my early 20s, I'm just figuring out myself and where my priorities fall for my future. Each day I get a little closer to figuring out what will make me happiest in life and how to get me there. This changes and evolves over the years and what if my partner doesn't change with me? What if my dreams don’t match up with theirs?

50% of marriages are now ending in divorce, I just don’t see any reason to jump right into that statistic.

I know it’s possible to fall in love young, but that doesn't always mean that the two of you will be the perfect match for the rest of your lives. Maybe you guys are just the perfect match right now, but over the next few years you both might change into different people, want different things, and, personally, I'd rather realize that without being bound in a legal commitment.

Maybe you guys actually are meant to be together forever, but what's the harm in waiting a few more years to be sure before saying "I do?"

People marry for so many different reasons today. Pressured by family, friends, or their significant other. They are afraid of being alone "forever" after they reach a certain age. They believe they will never find someone better or no one else will love them as much. Sometimes it’s even a financial choice.

I don’t want to get married for any other reason besides the fact that I without a doubt believe that I don’t want to spend my life with anyone else. That I know no matter how my future changes, or how my partner's does, that nothing will make me want to take on life without them. I want to know that there is no second thought in my mind, or theirs and that divorce wouldn't ever seem like an option.

I know that most people don't go into their marriages feeling like if it doesn't work out it will be ok, but I just want to be as sure as I can. I know I’ll reach this point in my life at some time, but I don't think that time will be when I’m in my early 20s.

All my friends are committing to a lifetime with someone, and I can barely commit to getting lunch. I need to be sure of who I am and where I’m going before I can be sure of my future with someone else. So I just don’t see why there is a rush to tie the knot.