Marriage and its importance in recent decades is very has changed. One of the biggest changes has to do with the age at which couples choose to marry. Statistics show that in Latvia, as elsewhere, in Europe and America, the average age of marriage is currently 32 years for men and 29 to 30 years for women . Just ten years ago the average age was 27 years, while in 1990 it was 23 years. So only 30 years ago people chose to get married on the 10th years earlier than it is now. This trend is still in flux, which makes you wonder if there is an ideal age marriage, or there are many other factors to consider.

Marriage for love

There are many reasons for this change in the age of marriage. The most important of these is why people choose today marry - for love. Historically, marriage was more about a financial arrangement. Wealthy families wanted to preserve property and increase wealth. Love was never the main part of this union.

Times have changed, women are no longer just housewives, so they spend more time educating themselves and career. People are much more purposeful, choose to study, travel the world or pursue a career, find out their desires and only then form a family and make serious commitments, which definitely affects the average age of marriage.

Every relationship has its own rules

There is no longer a stigma in society that restricts couples from living together before marriage , and unless religious belief, no pressure to get married. Although the average age of marriage is increasing year by year is growing, experts note that there is still no ideal age to get married. Certified life and relationship coach Sophie Antoine notes that the ideal age for marriage is when you and your partner want it and feel ready. She emphasizes the importance of not trying to conform to a certain age that society or family members think you are the best.

Marriage is a huge commitment in itself, but if you do it under the pressure of family or friends or the advice of experts because, your only gain will be a marriage based on someone else's standards. According to her nowadays, more like ever, there is an opportunity to be original and make your own rules in every relationship.

It's never too late for love

Age is just a number. If you and your partner start discussing marriage-related issues, it probably is is the first sign that you are ready for it, or at least getting close to it. If you feel that marriage is the next desirable step, then passport data is no longer relevant. Even if you are single and approaching or already past the average marriageable age, a chance getting married always exists. There are many single people in the world looking for love at all ages, so never don't give up

The more open you are to life, the more likely you will meet your partner very soon.

Marriage is not the only scenario

Latvia stands out in Europe with a sharp decrease in the number of first marriages - from 1990 to 1995, the number decreased by almost 70 percent. This means that not only the average age of marriage will increase, but also marriage has become less. The cause of this trend is the transformation of marriage and family relations in the new economic system affects and value changes in society.

Today, young people no longer consider marriage a primary aspect of their lives, most often choosing education that will ensure the quality of life in the future. Accumulating life experience, many feel that marriage is not suitable for them, or chooses to postpone it until later. In modern society, lifestyle and family formation without marriage has become more acceptable than 50 years ago, so it is important to remember that marriage is not the only scenario.

Relationships as art

We have often heard the phrase art of living, which denotes a person's ability to derive pleasure from various spheres of life, realizing your potential in both career and personal growth, giving and taking from life everything it gives and not setting limits or restrictions on your capabilities. Also, the art of loving, regardless of whether the choice is in favor of marriage or not, can be crucial to your happiness.

There is no specific age at which the ability to give one's time, attention and love to another, to prioritize one's partner and your relationship.

Author of the article: ELISA RUDZİTE

Photo: IRINA NEDYALKOVA , LEXIE HAND

Read also: WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AS A DECLARATION OF LOVE