Being Engaged at 19 | #MarriedMedlins
Every since Josh and I got engaged back in May I can’t tell you how many questions, confused looks, and even hateful comments I get from my peers, family, and even strangers. So I wanted to talk about it. I’ve always talked about being transparent on social media and how important I believe it is. So I wanted to write this post for those who are curious, or have questions, or maybe even if you’re in a similar situation as me.
Every since Josh and I met I knew that he would be my forever, and that in fact is one of the main questions I get ALL THE TIME. “How do you know at such a young age? Are you sure?” And the answer is: YES, YES I AM SURE! I wouldn’t make such a life changing decision if I wasn’t sure. I can’t really explain to you how exactly I know, but I just do. I’ve never questioned my feelings. I just know that we are supposed to be together and I don’t question it. I guess it’s kind of like what you hear in the movies, when you know, you know. And I truly believe in that.
Another common question I get is “What do your parents think?” They reacted like any other parent would, they were a little shocked at first but they know how happy Josh and I are together and support our happiness. But if I’m being totally transparent, it didn’t take over night. It took a while for my parents to be 100% on board with their daughter getting married at 21, but like all other parents they will do whatever it takes to make their child happy. So they accepted my decision and are excited for Josh and I!
I think the main reason people have issue with it, or are in shocked by my decision is because its “out of the norm” or “not traditional”. My response to that is that I’ve always been “out of the norm”. I don’t believe that society has the right to box people or choose their path in life. Go to school, graduate, get a job, find your soul mate, get married, and have kids. But life isn’t so black and white, and neither are people. Everyone is different and has a different journey in life and just because that doesn’t follow societies norm doesn’t mean it’s not right or okay. I’m lucky enough to have found my forever at a young age and it is my decision to decide if I want to wait or not to start my forever. With that I also get the, “Well if you know he is your forever, why does it matter if you wait?” My simple answer to that is, because I don’t want to. I’m ready to start my forever now.
If any of you know me, or have read my introduction blog, you know that my parents didn’t have the best marriage. In fact they had a really nasty divorce. Which is another reason why I value Josh and I’s relationship even more. I choose to defy the odds of society and my parents and live a happy marriage, starting at the age of 21. And guess what that is MY choice, and I am happy with it. So the moral of this story is to do what makes YOU happy. Regardless of what others think or tell you.
Thank you to those who support Josh and I! We can’t wait to start our forever together! I hope this post opens up people’s eyes and answers any questions people may have. If you don’t agree with a word I said, that’s fine, just please leave the negativity out of it. Like I said, every person has a different path in life and that’s okay.
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Omg Erika! Reason #29273646 why I love you! I’m obviously in a different boat, but even when I talked about marriage right after high school people where so quick to judge. I’m so glad you stick up for what you believe in and shout it from the roof tops that this is your life and you’ll do as you wish. Stay away from the norm 😉 I prefer it that way! Thanks for sharing!
Found your website because my sister did your hair ? Your pictures are gorgeous! I was engaged and married when I was 20! If you know you know. 8 years and 2 kids later we are happy as ever!!