What is the right age to get married?

Query: I am 29 years old and have a stable job. I have been single for two years and now my parents are asking me to get married. However, I am confused about whether I should take this step or not. I am not carrying any emotional baggage from my past and have no complaints from my present life. I am scared thinking about what would happen if I end up with the wrong person. I want to get married but I am unsure what would be the right time. Can you guide me? - By Anonymous

Response by Dr. Prakriti Poddar: Hello. There is no such thing as the ‘right time to get married’. The most important thing is to be mentally, and emotionally ready to be married. Weigh whether you are ‘ready to be married’ vs. ‘the right time to be married’.


Certain parameters that should play a part in your decision making are:


Body clock
At what age do you want to have a child?
This is important because a woman’s childbearing years are from 20-35 to be in the safe period. And for the husband too, younger is better as one needs to keep up with the energy of baby and an ever energetic child.


Financial security
Are you financially capable of formulating a life-long partnership? Financial security plays a big part in the marriage.


Are you aware of your likes and dislikes to be able to identify the best fit of a person for your life?
The fear of ending up with the wrong person is a concrete concern, therefore once you know yourself, you will be quick to discern what kind of person you need. When you know yourself and you are able to take care of your own emotional needs, you are more likely to draw the right person to you.


Are you emotionally ready to share your life with someone faithfully?
This is very important, as sometimes the emotional quotient takes a while to mature and it is essential for a happy marriage that your maturity to nurture yourself and your partner is at a level that is conducive to a happy marriage.


In my opinion, if you have all these areas covered, it is likely that you are ready to be married.


Be honest with yourself and your family. And when you find ‘the one’, please make sure you are truthful about your capabilities as well as your ‘work in progress’.


- Dr Prakriti Poddar is an expert in mental health and the Director of Poddar Wellness Ltd.


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