Why is marriage this controversial? Cultura Colectiva staff recently received a heartfelt letter from a young woman, barely 20, who wanted to share her story about love, commitment, and the unique pressures she’s facing from society—particularly from her peers in Gen Z.
She and her boyfriend, who is also in his early 20’s, decided to get married, something that’s been met with intense criticism on social media.
But their bond is something she believes is so special that she wishes everyone could feel the same, at least once in their lifetime. She also struggles with the idea that her decision about marriage goes against what most of her generation seems to believe. Here’s what she had to say:
“I know people might not understand, but I just need to share this with someone. My boyfriend, who’s now my husband, and I have been together for years, and we’ve always known that we wanted to be with each other forever.
We got married because our love felt undeniable, like it was the next step. But ever since we made that decision public, the backlash has been overwhelming.
Is Young Marriage Really That Bad?
People say we’re too young for marriage, that we don’t know what love is yet. But what if we do? What if this is exactly what love is supposed to feel like? I know we’re not following the ‘normal’ path for people our age.
I see all these comments from others in my generation who say they’d never get married so young, or even at all. They don’t believe in it; they think it’s outdated. And here I am, feeling like I’ve found something worth holding on to for the rest of my life. Is that so bad?
The Tough Journey of Comparing Your Life With Others Your Age
It’s hard not to compare myself to them. It makes me question if there’s something wrong with me for wanting this—wanting to be happy, to build a life with someone I love so deeply. I’ve never felt more sure about anything in my life than the decision to marry him. And I can’t help but wish that everyone, even just once, could feel this kind of love, the kind that makes you want to commit for a lifetime.
Read also: The Challenge of Loving Someone Who Lives with Alcoholism
I know the world says I should be out there, exploring my independence, not tying myself down and thinking about marriage. But for me, this isn’t about giving up anything; it’s about building something together. I just wish people would see that, instead of telling me I’m making a mistake. We’re happy, and isn’t that what matters in the end?
Maybe I’m different from the rest of my generation, and that’s okay. I don’t need them to understand me or my marriage, but I just wish they’d stop trying to tear down something so beautiful. We’re young, yes, but we’re in love. And I hope one day people can understand how powerful that can be.”
Her words really made us pause and reflect. In a time when personal freedom is celebrated, it’s easy to forget that love and in this case marriage can be just as fulfilling, just as empowering, and just as beautiful when shared in a committed relationship.
