As A 24 Yr. Old Should Be

Abraham Lincoln once said, " And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

I am 2 years younger than most of my peers. But our difference in age is as blurry as grey. I consider myself lucky because I was given the chance to mature earlier than I needed. So, whatever my peers have experienced or are experiencing, I consider them my own. On the flipside, if I act 2 years older than my age, a few people would misunderstand or doubt me. As if credibility, like wisdom, has to come with age. "That's not how a 24 year old should act." And then the "should" word comes into play.

(As the marrying month of June opens, allow me to indulge in my unsolicited thoughts on marriage.)

I turn 24 this month as most of my peers turn 26 this year: the unofficial age of getting engaged or getting married. And it brings huge smiles on my face hearing their proposal stories, seeing them gush or just show off the sparkling, gigantic rocks on their fingers. Endless planning, checklisting, reserving, canvassing and even food/wine tasting - just to create that perfect wedding, on that one perfect day! All the wedding preparations are reviewed in detail.

As I listen to them do their best not to transform words into shrieks, my left brain worked like hell at one point.

But what about the post-wedding preparations? What about the more essential things to consider when in a marriage? - Psychological, physical, mental, emotional and most importantly, financial security? What about meeting each other's family and friends? Having pep talks with the bride's dad and getting his blessing? Isn't it that short engagements generally give couples less of a chance to discover more about one another? Are they ready to have children and raise a family? I ask, have they known their partners enough to accept each other's morning breath for the rest of their lives? - and even love each other more for that?

But my right brain wanted to debate.

More than the essentials, marriage is all about commitment, love, risks and faith. From there, good things will spring forth. Come hell or high water, with committed effort, the perfect couple will rise to the occasion with flying colors. All the hurdles will be easily overcomed with faith. And yes, love will still prevail - and as in the age-old adage, it will move mountains. In the end, the right time, the right age and even the right dress will not matter.

I admire my friends who are taking their time before setting the date so as to sort out "the" essentials of the M-word. However, I am also wowed by my friends who jump right into it, with closed eyes and tons of faith.

At 24, I did say that I consider my 26 year old peers' experiences as my own. They have found The One, and I have as well. Choosing to be together for the rest of our lives is not even a question. But one thing differs them from me at this point. They have already chosen to succumb to either their left or their right brain. I, however, am still left wondering in the middle. I guess I am not acting 2 years ahead of my age, soooo... I'm probably on the right track. I still am 24. And at this point, this is how I should be.