19-year-old bride. NINETEEN-year-old bride.
Young, naive, in love, stupid. As I’ve been home planning my wedding these past few months I have learned that getting married young is not socially acceptable. Not at all. I have been teased about how I “must be pregnant” or I’m “just in it for the sex.” I have heard the whispering voices say, “there’s no way she’s ready”, “it will never last”, “they’re rushing into it, wait until the honeymoon stage leaves.” And I have cried. I have silently begged for the support and love of those around me, wishing that my happiness was good enough. I have sought after the approval of countless people who don’t matter. Strangers. And I have learned. I have learned that none of that is important. Those people who talk? They’re forgetting a few things
They have forgotten that being in love is NOT stupid. It is scary. It means being vulnerable. It means putting someone else’s needs in front of yours while remembering that you deserve respect, kindness, and, yes, love. It is beautiful.
They have forgotten that being young does not mean naive.
They have forgotten that it is okay to not know everything. I have no idea how to change a tire on my car. If you gave me all the ingredients, I would never be able to turn them into a pie without at least calling my mom. I don’t know all the tips and tricks to grocery shopping with coupons and I surely don’t know how to be a perfect wife but, boy, I am excited to learn. Even more? I’m excited to learn with my spouse.
