Couples are waiting longer to tie the knot, and it might be contributing to lower divorce rates. Recent data from Bridebook.co.uk reveals that couples spend an average of five years together before marriage. Dating for 1.4 years, living together for 1.83 years, and a 1.67-year engagement bring the total. The average age for women marrying is now 30.8, a notable increase since the 1970s. Notably, UK divorce rates are at a historic low.

Relationship therapist Aimee Hartstein emphasizes the benefits of delaying marriage: “Getting married later may help divorce rates slow down because we know ourselves and our relationship much better when we are older and more experienced.” Waiting allows for personal growth and better-informed decisions. Taking time before marriage seems logical; experiences in our 20s shape us significantly. Hartstein advocates for exploring relationships over time: “Date seriously, move in together, see how the relationship evolves over the years that you are still growing and changing.”

In essence, waiting provides a chance for personal development, ensuring a more solid foundation for a successful marriage. Marriage remains an option, but the key is to be sure and avoid hasty decisions.