People worry about getting married too young. They're measuring the wrong thing.
I got engaged at 26—not because I'd reached some magic age, but because I'd built a framework for the decision and my partner met every criterion.
The framework: Marriage is 50% finding the right person and 50% committing to hard work.
The right person has three qualities. Complementary personalities that balance your weaknesses. Common values that align on what matters. Willingness to commit to each other's goals, not just your own.
The hard work requires two capabilities. Team problem-solving through clear communication. Resilience to stay committed through hardship, not just enjoy the easy wins.
After seven years together, my wife scores perfectly across every dimension. We share core values. Our personalities fit without friction. We've solved problems together through every challenge we've faced.
The real question isn't "Am I too young?" It's "Have I found the right person, and am I ready to do the work?"
I answered yes to both. The privilege of finding her early just means more years to build something extraordinary together.