I have many friends who pressure me to get into a relationship and to get married right away.
I believe that getting married because your friends and relatives get on your case is a big mistake. Here are six tips on how I deal with my friends who are pressuring me to get married and start a family:
1: The most important thing to do is to know what you want to do. Think about it and determine for yourself what is best for you. I decided that I don’t want to be married for the sake of being married. I want to be with someone I love, rather than just settling with anyone.
2: Once you know where you stand, you need to communicate your intentions to your friends. Explain to them that you do not want to do what it is they are asking you to do. Give them reasons on why you feel this way. Be willing to answer their questions so they understand where you are coming from. I try to do this when my friends give me a hard time.
3: Some people will continue to argue with you and this is where you need to show that you mean business. I learned not to give into their arguments. Do what is best for you and stand with your decision.
4: I try to distance myself from people who do not respect my decisions. If your friends really like you, they need to respect you. Nobody wants to be with people who are trying to get them to do something they don’t want to do.
5: Remember that it is not a race. Marriage is something not to be rushed into. Marrying the wrong person can have a toll on your mental health, your happiness, and your pocketbook. You’re better to take your time and go a pace you are comfortable with. If some of your friends can’t support you then you need to find people who will.
6: I realized that I must not let my friends make the choice for me to get married. Remember this is about the rest of your life and it’s important not to let someone else tell you how to live your life. Your friends may have good intentions, but you got to do what is best for you in the long-term.
Read more posts by Stan Popovich, an author who personally overcame fear and anxiety in his life. Stan is a blogger for JenningsWire.