Thought From The Heart: Contemplating Marriage

What is it with people getting up in other’s business?  Many people feel the need to share their unsolicited opinions about my daughter getting married at 18 years old.  Rather than share your unsolicited negative opinion, here are three things you could say instead.

1.  “I wish her well.”  Because the alternative is to wish her and her fiancé a terrible life together.  And who would do that?  Don’t you wish the couple well, even if you don’t agree with their decision?  You want to see them succeed.  You want to hear they have a happy and loving marriage.  And you want to hear that they have a lifetime together.  So it’s better to start on the right foot.
2. “Wow!  I wish I had found the love of my life that young.”  Let’s face it, many of us don’t find the love of our life until we’re in our 20’s or 30’s.  Some don’t find that person at all.  So many people I know were high school sweethearts.  Some were married out of school, others waited.  How awesome is it to find that person while young and be able to spend that time, energy, and life together?  Not that any of us would trade our lives, but how cool is it that the best years of her life will be spent with the person she loves?
3. “Congratulations”  Regardless of your opinion, is it your place to say something?  She and her fiancé have asked my wife and I (as well as his parents and each of their grandparents more questions than you can think of.  They aren’t going in blind.  And in reality, are any of us really ready for marriage (or kids, for that matter)?  We didn’t think of everything.  But we walk our walk, solve problems as they arise, and enjoy the ride.

Think about it, how did you feel the first time someone looked at you and said, “Chiropractic?”?  All while trying to hide their disdain.  How did you feel?  Hopefully, you perked up and defended your decision, because Chiropractic patients are happier, healthier, and overall more satisfied with their care when compared to many other forms of health care.  Making unpopular decisions and sticking to them, usually leads to that outcome.