No One Should Get Married Before Being Financially and Mentally Stable

ZIKHA AMARILLA NUR HAZANAH (30802300011)

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Marriage is often viewed as a symbol of maturity and happiness. Yet behind the smiles and festive celebrations, many couples find themselves unprepared for the realities of married life, the reality that love alone is never enough. In today’s modern era, financial and mental preparedness are essential foundations before taking the step into marriage. Entering marriage without them is like building a house on sand, beautiful at first glance, but fragile over time.

Statistics reveal that financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce in Indonesia. In 2024, 100,198 divorce cases were attributed to economic factors, making it the second most common cause after “constant disputes.”

Many young couples fall into debt, stress, and conflict simply because they are not financially equipped to handle the responsibilities that come after the wedding. Marriage is not just about affection, it’s also about paying bills, raising children, saving for emergencies, and planning for the future.

Being financially stable does not mean being wealthy. It means having a steady income, the ability to manage expenses wisely, and being prepared for unexpected financial risks. When someone delays marriage to establish financial stability, they are not postponing love, they are investing in a sustainable future. Those who can support themselves independently are more capable of handling the responsibilities of partnership and parenthood.

Alongside finances, mental readiness is equally crucial. Marriage is not merely a change of status on paper, it is the union of two individuals with distinct emotions, values, and ways of thinking. Without emotional maturity, even small disagreements can escalate into major conflicts.

Mental maturity involves emotional regulation, healthy communication, and the ability to face challenges together without resorting to blame. Emotionally immature individuals tend to be self-centered, impatient, and resistant to compromise. Consequently, marriage becomes not a source of joy but an additional burden.

Entering marriage without financial and mental stability does not only affect the couple, it also impacts their children. Children raised in unstable households often face emotional and economic hardship, growing up in an environment of limitation and stress. This lack of stability perpetuates poverty from one generation to the next.

By waiting until one is mentally and financially stable, individuals indirectly help to break this cycle. They ensure that when they have children, those children grow up in a nurturing, secure, and well-provided environment. A well-prepared marriage is not only about two adults, it’s about creating a strong foundation for the next generation.

Some people believe that postponing marriage means rejecting fate or going against cultural expectations. In reality, taking time to prepare is a sign of responsibility, not rebellion. Rushing into marriage without readiness adds unnecessary burdens, while marrying with preparation fosters enduring happiness.

Marriage should be a conscious decision, not a response to social pressure. Financial and mental stability are not luxury conditions, they are essential requirements for building a healthy, prosperous family.

Marriage is not a race to change one’s status, it is a lifelong journey that requires maturity and readiness. Love is vital, but love without economic stability and emotional balance often leads to hardship. Therefore, no one should marry before achieving both financial and mental preparedness. Doing so not only ensures personal happiness but also contributes to breaking the societal cycle of poverty. Remember: it is better to wait and be ready than to rush and regret.