Many of my friends were posting an article on Facebook today written by a 23 year old blogger who came up with a list of 23 things to do besides getting married at 23. Really, all it did was show the world how bad she is at coming up with fun things to do as a single 23 year old woman, and how close-minded she is. However, I must thank her- she is the inspiration behind my very first blog!

I posted a status addressing a few of her poorly thought out suggestions, but I’ll take it a step further here, mainly because I have more space. Before I begin, I’ll let you know, I was (am) 25 when I got married. I am not for or against marrying young. I do not believe there is an “appropriate” age to get married, only an appropriate mindset. So no, I do not fall under the category of women who get married by 23. However, some of my closest friends are happily married and experiencing more with their husbands in their “cop-out” marriage than my friends who are still single.

Before I begin, I’ll share the aforementioned article: http://wanderonwards.com/2013/12/30/23-things-to-do-instead-of-getting-engaged-before-youre-23/ You must read it in order to understand the rest of this post.

Oh, and one last thing- someone mentioned that I am taking her list too literally and that this is simply her bucket list. Well, if this is her bucket list, then maybe she shouldn’t publish it and suggest that I do it, too. Because, well, posing naked in front of a window, will NEVER be on my bucket list. But who knows? Maybe when my marriage fails (since it inevitably will), I’ll get that passport and go pose nude in front of a window in the Red Light District. Just maybe.

1. I got a passport. I was 17. I haven’t been to every place I want to go, but if I waited to get married till after I had, I’d never get married.

2. I have found my “thing” and at the same time, I am still finding my “thing”. And I’ll probably find another “thing”. Maybe when I’m 76. Apparently finding your “thing” has an age limit. Better get a move on youngins!

3. Make out with a stranger? No. Just no. I’d rather make out with my husband.

4. I did adopt a pet. Twice. It was a horrible decision and contradicts her first idea of getting a passport (which I assume would be to travel, not just to have another form of identification). My advice? Don’t adopt anything until you’re married and have ample arrangements for times when you can’t bring them with you.

5. Start a band? Nah, that’s not my “thing”.

6. Make a cake? Really? If you’re a woman and haven’t made a cake by the time you’re 23, crawl out from under that rock.

7. I got a tattoo. I now want it covered up. Why? Because I was 18 and got it simply because I was 18. However, I cannot cover up my marriage. I can take off my ring (but I won’t), I can walk out on my husband (but I won’t because I meant the vows I said to him on August 10th), and I can pretend I’m not married, but at the end of the day, the government still has that marriage certificate that says we are, in fact, married. So now it seems my marriage is more permanent than that aforementioned tattoo.

8. I consciously choose not to explore a new religion. I am educated about other religions, but I have a relationship with Christ, and that’s what I choose. Those religions which I am not educated on, I will educate myself on in due time.

9. Starting a small business is quite possibly my “thing”, but I never would’ve been in the position to do so before 23, which is why I am starting now. At almost 26. And married.

10. If she’s referring to a major hair cut, I knocked that out when I was about 6… when I got a bowl cut.

11. Seriously, who suggests dating two people at once just to see how long it takes to blow up in your face!? For one, that’s not beneficial to anyone, including yourself. For two, maybe that’s why some people don’t marry young, or ever! Because sucky people like her suggest doing awful things like that.

12. I did build something with my hands. It’s called an education. That took a lot of hard work with my hands. And I’m sure her intended audience are those whom are well educated.

13. I’ve accomplished many Pinterest projects. Almost anything and everything is on there now, so whether you intended to or not, you probably have.

14. Joining the Peace Corp isn’t my “thing”, and I can’t take my adopted pet, so looks like this list has contradicted itself again.

15. Honey, regardless of what age I chose to get married, I disappointed my parents LONG before 23.

16. Maybe I’m naive, but what is GIRLS? And since I am openly admitting I do not know what this is, I’ll educate myself about what it is later. I may even educate my husband, too.

17. Eat an entire jar of Nutella in one sitting!? Whoa! Dream big! Personally, I’m not a fan of Nutella. I prefer Speculoo’s Crunchy Cookie Butter or Justin’s Maple Almond Butter. And if I want to eat the whole jar in one sitting, I do. I live my life on the edge. What can I say?

18. I believe my sarcastic comments and outgoing personality can, and probably do, make strangers feel uncomfortable in public places.

19. I have to sign up for CrossFit before 23?? CRAP. (I missed the cutoff.)

20. Oh, another slutty idea- hang out naked in front of a window. I believe I touched on this enough in the intro to this awful list.

21. I am writing my feelings down in a blog. Unfortunately for this girl, they’re refuting hers.

22. Oh, dear. You don’t have to tell me to be selfish. I am. I always have been. I always will be. I’m human.

23. Last, but not least, going with this girl to the Philippines for the Chinese New Year sounds far worse than getting married at, or before, the age of 23.

Now that I’ve covered that, I’m sure you’re waiting for me to share a list of my own. But before I do, I feel the need to state that I truly feel that everyone is entitled to their own educated opinion, and to reinforce again that I am not against marrying young or waiting to get married. I simply believe that you should get married when you fully understand and comprehend that you will forever (for-ev-er <– name that movie!) be sharing your personal space with someone and there’s no turning back. Oh, and that if you’re going to share a list of fun things to do, make sure they’re actually fun. And worthwhile. So, here goes.

23 Things You Can Do With Your Husband Regardless of Age

1. Have safe sex, however often you want. It’s a wonderful concept.

2. Get a passport and travel- a honeymoon, or even just a vacation.

3. Run around the house naked. It’s more fun than sitting in a boring window.

4. Get a tattoo that has meaning for both of you.

5. Explore somewhere new with your best friend, instead of alone.

6. Pick up a new hobby together.

7. Start a family if you want. If you don’t, then wait.

8. Make out. At least you know where his mouth has been.

9. Decorate your house/apartment with Pinterest projects you did together.

10. Get a couples massage. Things are more fun with your best friend.

11. Sign up for CrossFit together. Or just workout together period.

12. Share an entire pint of your favorite Ben & Jerry’s in one sitting. (I like sharing because then it’s less likely that I’ll fall into that stereotype of getting fat now that I’m married.)

13. Build a future.

14. Disappoint your husband. Trust me, you won’t have to try, it’ll just happen. And then have make-up sex.

15. Bake/cook for each other. Things taste way better when they’re made for someone with love.

16. Start traditions together.

17. Travel within the United States. And when you get lost, make an adventure out of it, knowing you’re safe with your best friend.

18. Have a sleepover with him every night.

19. Go out together, have fun, come home together, and have more fun.

20. Adopt a pet. When you’re both ready. It’s easier when two people are caring for it.

21. Start a small business now that you have a confidant, companion, and faithful business partner.

22. Start a blog. Together or separately. See? You can do it when you’re married too! Crazy, I know.

23. Befriend other happily married couples.

Whatever you decide to do- marry young, marry later, marry late, or never marry- just make sure it’s right for you. And if you post a blog about things you can do instead of getting married at 23, make sure it’s not condemning those who chose to get married before 23, and make sure you list things that are actually more fun than being married to your best friend.





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