quick engagement = shotgun marriage???

When my husband proposed after one year plus of dating, I'm sure most people had the same question on their minds, "So soon?? Is it a shotgun marriage????" But that can't be further from the truth because we're a DINK (double income, no kids) couple.

So why did we get engaged so early and what are the pros and cons of doing so?

WHY❓

You just know. When you've found The One, you just know it. Our connection was instant — the laughter flowed and the understanding ran deep. Like puzzle pieces snapping into place, we clicked on a level that defied explanation. After one year together, we knew we wouldn't find this with anyone else.

BUTTTTT it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There were many potential pitfalls to comitting early too.

PROS

❤️ Love in overdrive

We clicked like puzzle pieces from day one, and waiting felt like denying the universe's grand plan for no reason.

❤️ Knowing what you want early

We had discussed our visions for the future, navigated family dynamics, and weathered minor squabbles. We knew each other's quirks, celebrated strengths, and craved a forever together.

❤️ Keeping the momentum

The initial spark rarely stays bonfire-bright forever. By committing early, we locked in that intense love and channeled it into building a solid foundation, fueled by excitement and shared goals.

CONS

💔 Honeymoon hangover

The rose-tinted glasses can be deceiving. The first year of any relationship is often smooth sailing, masking potential bumps in the road. Living together, finances, and navigating family pressure can reveal hidden cracks.

💔 Growth gap

People evolve, and sometimes at different paces. A year might not be enough to witness your individual journeys and ensure compatibility long-term.

💔 Missing milestones

Rushing skips precious relationship milestones like cohabiting, long-distance tests, and weathering life's curveballs together. These experiences solidify the bond and reveal deeper compatibility before the big "I do."

CONCLUSION

If you ask me whether getting engaged after being together for only one year is a recipe for happily ever after or a ticking time bomb... I have no answer. The truth, like most things in love, is messy and nuanced. There's no magic number, and what works for one couple might be a disaster for another.

But what worked for us was doing the soul-searching and facing challenges together. In the end, we emerged stronger, more in love than ever.

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