It is expected that individuals should date before venturing into the permanent relationship of marriage.
The dating period allows partners to get to know each well or at least well enough to propose and to accept the proposal or on the other hand not to propose and decline when proposed to.
For some persons, a few months to a year is long enough. For some it may not be so.
How long then is long enough? How long should partners be together before one can say, if it hasn’t happened, it’s not likely to happen again?
According to Relationship Expert, Ben Edwards: “The world is changing. A few generations ago, there was a set expectation for men, and particularly women, of a certain age to meet their partners, marry, start a family and ultimately stay together for the rest of their life.
“Now that there are other options available to couples and fewer limitations, social ‘norms’ are being challenged. I don’t believe there is a set time to wait; some couples will get engaged after knowing each other for three months, others three years. Quite often circumstances will suggest it seems like the sensible option to marry, whether this is financial or otherwise, this may mean the decision is made sooner than expected.”
Frank Okonta, IT Expert:” It Varies. Some people meet and get a proposal within a few months, others date and get a proposal two years later. I do feel strongly that you must know one another inside and out before proposing. It takes time to really know the other person. I am not an advocate of rushing a proposal or weddings.”
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Kemfon Ibanga, Lawyer: “I personally think six months should be fine. A proposal is just the time from acceptance of a proposal to the wedding – how long does the wedding take to prepare? Could be the same day for that matter, maybe a year at the max.”
Bisi Okunbor, Entrepreneur: “Be patient. Open up healthy communication between you and your partner. Don’t try to control that person, give them space and time and make the most out of the moments you two do spend together.”
Crown Jimmy, IT Engineer: “It all depends on the couple, but I would consider one year of serious, committed dating to be a pretty good benchmark.
“There is no set amount of time. When you are sure you know each other well and want to spend the rest of your lives together then you can go ahead and get engaged.”
Ini Asifa, Shoe Designer: “Personally, I have seen marriages fail after years of adult dating. I have also seen marriages work after a few weeks/months of dating. It depends on the couple.
“Here is what I know. People who love and care for each other and about each other. Why wait. If you have the person you love, marry them….unless there are problems.”
Onyiyechi Chuku, Business Woman: “Romantically speaking, you should propose only when you are truly, madly, deeply in love and really want to show an outward commitment to the world of how you feel inside.”
