Dear counsellor,

I am 22 years old, and I am completing my high school this year. However, I am worried about the decision I should take after. I have been in a relationship with a man for the last three years and he says we should get married immediately I complete my high school. I am puzzled about whether I’m ready to start a family at this age. I need your advice.

Yours Samantha

Dear Samantha,

One way to validate your partner’s love is by evaluating his level of patience moral transparency and sympathy for others. It’s true that some couples have had successful early marriages, but most of them often work well if the two don’t mix studies with relationships. Everything in life is about priorities. And deciding that a career goal is your top priority can always help you to strike equilibrium between books and love. If you think that the marriage can be a threat to your career goals, then you have to hold an intensive discussion with your boyfriend and arrive at a common ground on how you can nurture a meaningful relationship for your future marriage, as well as pursue your career goals. 

All you need is to apply the right approach that shines with total assurance of love and all will automatically be sorted. You don’t deserve to be in a marriage in which you will feel deprived of your studies. You deserve an awesome man who supports your ambitions and wishes you success. Besides, marriage calls for an extra level of responsibilities, some of which may seem hazardous to your studies. You should bear in mind that no matter how much you love your man, education is the only true friend that will never disappoint you because, with your career, you buy your own financial freedom and intellectual property that will stand by your side all your life. High school isn’t enough for you to put an end to your education.

Advancing in studies after high school will introduce you to a wide range of knowledge, skills and competences that will equip you with unique information to discourse intelligently and authoritatively in different aspects that require technical expertise. A person who advances in studies keeps fresh, both physically and mentally. Just follow your passion and do what your heart desires. If this man really loves you, then he should be able to wait for the right time. Involve him in your life by designing your upcoming marriage timetable and work plan to comfort and assure him of your future union. At the moment he feels insecure. 

God bless you.