Marriage. The well-known end goal that comes with every happily ever after. I can understand the pressure we feel to put a ring on it after dating someone for a such a long time. But what I can't understand is how someone in their early 20s can feel ready for marriage. That is a commitment that someone at 21-years-old should not have to make.

Ever since we were young, we've grown familiar with the significance of marriage. Not only from our mom and dad but back in the day when people would tie the knot at 18. Many of these people were our grandparents who are still living a happy life together, but times have changed. In those days, opportunities for women were way more limited than they are today, so a woman's life goal was to be a good wife and have children.

I am by no means saying that if you are married, you cannot fulfill your goals as a woman. However, women today have so many new opportunities and chances that don't necessarily entail the need to be a wife.

Being in a lasting, steady relationship has made me think about marriage. Although the idea of marriage has probably crossed my mind differently than it may have for others. My boyfriend and I are absolutely not ready for marriage. It's not that we aren't happy or love each other, we're actually the greatest we've ever been. We're just not at that point in our lives, and in no rush at all to tie the knot.

I find comfort in having time for myself and I learned that I actually need that space. I'm still young and there's still so much I want to explore and do before settling down and having to come home to a husband every night.

I have my own life with little quirks and rituals I do daily that I don't want to be disturbed just yet.

Call me selfish, but my responsibilities are only to myself, and right now that's just the way I like it. I know that there are a lot of couples who are very much in love and want to get married that have probably never been more sure about anything. And if that's the case then go forth. What doesn't work for me could just be your cup of tea.

All I know is that marriage is not something you can go back on just because you changed your mind or aren't happy anymore. It's a covenant made by two people through the good, bad, and ugly. For this reason, you need to make sure you're stable and ready.