When people hear the word marriage, they seem to think that it is some terrifying concept that strangles their freedom, personality and life. It’s almost become scarier than the word divorce. People have become so leery of commitment, especially young adults. When others hear that some want to be married young, it is automatically assumed that the woman is pregnant, crazy, or trapped in a relationship.

For me, none of that is the case. I was one of those girls who twirled around her room daydreaming about her wedding day. I was enchanted by true love, elaborate wedding dresses, and getting married in towering traditional churches under vibrant stained glass windows. Whenever I envisioned my wedding day, I was clad in a beautiful Cinderella gown pouring out my love to a mystery man.

I want to get married young. I was lucky enough to meet the love of my life in the mere eighth grade. Looking back, we were awkward and naïve adolescents. It didn’t completely hit me then how much I loved this boy; I just thought I fell for him so quickly because he was my first kiss, boyfriend and love.

All these years later, I realize it was because he is my soulmate. I realize it may sound corny or cheesey to some, but we believe it to be true. We are the very best of friends, and go back and forth between acting like a married couple to pretending we are children again. My boyfriend and I are practically family already; not only are we best friends, but so are our families.

Marrying young will allow us to grow as a couple before we start a family. Even though we have grown up together during adolescence, it will give us ample time to grow together as adults. Adulthood will bring more difficult challenges that we will sort through. We will learn to communicate better with each other and to problem solve efficiently.

Not only will we be forced to learn said skills, but marrying young will allow us to learn more about ourselves and each other. We will be forced to examine ourselves in a deeper way than we have before. Because of that, our bond will become even stronger.

I want to marry young so I can show off my wonderful man. He always knows exactly what to say or what not to say. He is hard working and will do anything to benefit myself, our families and us as a couple. Of this, I am completely sure. His passion and his heart never cease to amaze me. With such a blessing like him, how could I not wish to marry young?

To this day, I am still that girl twirling around her room day dreaming about her wedding. Only this time, my mystery man isn't a mystery anymore.