Amongst the miriad of weddings that seem to be happening within my circle of friends is one that I'm just not sure about. It's not really my place to inform the couple of their potential problems, though. It's not the lack of parental consent that bothers me. It's so not important if the parents agree or disagree on the choice of spouse. And it's not the fact that that there's an age difference of well over a decade. They're both about the same age maturity-wise. It's the fact that the male of the couple has lived his life in a stifling home environment and is using marriage as an excuse to leave it--or so it seems to this outside observer.
But, really, can I just say, "no, no, no! Don't get married. Live a little, first! See what life is like when you're making the rules under your roof!" Common sense says that this is a good way to ruin a friendship. I see a relationship on the possible brink of explosion, though. Perhaps it's best to put the friendship in a treacherous position if it means helping the hearts of two people I care about. ...Not that you can ever avoid a little heartbreak here or there.
To quote Annie: It's a hard knock life.
But, really, can I just say, "no, no, no! Don't get married. Live a little, first! See what life is like when you're making the rules under your roof!" Common sense says that this is a good way to ruin a friendship. I see a relationship on the possible brink of explosion, though. Perhaps it's best to put the friendship in a treacherous position if it means helping the hearts of two people I care about. ...Not that you can ever avoid a little heartbreak here or there.
To quote Annie: It's a hard knock life.
I figured it might end horribly and he might well get royally screwed, but the thing I kept thinking is this: He's a big boy, he's making his own decision, no one is holding a gun to his head.
Especially if it's gotten to the point of planning a wedding, momentum is against it stopping before he potentially makes a mistake. It's more likely if you illustrate to him what fun life is when you have time to live it before having to take on responsibilities and commitments that he'll come to the conclusion on his own. Tell him stories from your own life, take him out and show him if you can...
...It is a hard knock life...