I am 17 years of age and engaged to my partner. We have not decided on exactly when we plan on getting married, but have gotten engaged. I know I would love to spend the rest of my life with him, but it seems so difficult for this to come true in today's society. I am committed and hope it can happen. Does anyone agree that this is not so impossible?

My sister married young, went on to have 3 children, is still very happily married. She went to College and even got a Masters Degree. She and her husband sort of "grew up" together and she's never regreted marrying young.

Likewise, her daughter married at 18 and is still married, happily. They also "grew up" together instead of growing apart.

I think she's in the minority, though.

Sorry, but what in today's society is stopping you from marrying the one you love when you both are able to do so?

I don't think it has ever been easy.

I think most marriages can survive as long as both individuals work with each other to build and maintain the relationship. They have to be willing to communicate, compromise, empathize, etc.

It can be easy to blame Society for problems in marriages, but, in reality, it is the individuals in the marriage who make the choices that determine the fate of the marriage.

Society has nothing to do with it.

Your marriage will work IF you both want it to and work to keep it going.

I would suggest that if you have any doubts - wait. Study, travel and get some life experience.

Be realistic, 17 is very young and 'the rest of your life' is an awfully long time.