BY JOHN AND APRIL NIXON

tudies show that “The average age of first marriage has increased by almost a decade in the last two generations…”, (Lisa Anderson from Focus on the Family). Two in five [young adults say] they believe marriage is an outdated tradition. Seventeen percent of millennials say they do not plan on getting married while 7% of Gen Z agree with this sentiment (Thriving Center of Psychology).

Cohabitation is on the rise among the young adult population as well. One report reveals “over three in five unmarried couples live with their partners, though more millennials live with their partner than Gen Z — with a difference of 65% to 35%.” What is causing this shift in perspective towards marriage? Here are a few reasons:

Financial Considerations

In an era characterized by economic uncertainty and student loan debt, financial stability is a significant concern for young adults. Many feel that delaying marriage allows them to establish a solid financial foundation.

Fear of Divorce

The rising divorce rates in recent decades have instilled a sense of caution among many young people. A great number are hesitant to rush into marriage, fearing the potential pain and turmoil of divorce.

Focus on Personal Growth

Young people are choosing to focus on personal and professional growth before accepting the rigors of marriage and raising a family. They are seeking degrees in higher education, promotions in their careers, taking up hobbies, and traveling the world instead of getting married.

So, will the human race die out with the Millennial generation?

No, we don’t think the situation is that grim. We believe more young people would be open to marriage if they had some solutions to life’s current issues.

Have Marital Mentors

Marriage is not easy, but it does not have to be as hard as we sometimes make it. Therefore, you don’t have to be afraid that every big argument will have the potential to end in divorce. There are tools that can be employed that will help to simplify difficult situations, making them much easier to manage. Begin by getting premarital or pre-engagement counseling from a reputable Christian counselor or marital coach. This will give you a solid foundation for a spiritual marriage. Spend time with married couples who are like-minded but who have more experience than you. Discuss your difficult situations with them and see what advice they have. Your community of marriage mentors will help keep you sane.

Have Two Weddings

It is no more expensive to be married than it is to cohabitate. Pro tip: most marriage certificates issued by the county are between $20-$60 when the discount is applied for getting at least six hours of premarital counseling. The large expense associated with marriage comes from the wedding ceremony itself. Why not consider having two weddings then? Have a small, inexpensive, family-only ceremony followed by the wedding of your dreams a year or two later. But if you really want to get ahead financially, consider forgoing the big wedding altogether and save your money for a downpayment on a house. Then throw yourselves a big 10th anniversary celebration that will be the talk of the town. The point is that marriage need not be overwhelmingly expensive if you have a plan.

Have a Plan

Speaking of plans, now that you’re married, it’s okay to consider delaying the start of having children for a few years to pursue some of your own personal growth goals together. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” So, encourage each other as you start that business, enroll in that doctoral program, explore that hobby, or travel the world. Marriage should not be a death sentence to your personal goals. You are free to plan out your life after marriage to include some of the things that you’ve had on your bucket list.

JOHN AND APRIL NIXON are content creators with a passion for relationship coaching. You can catch them live every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EST on their Just John & April YouTube channel. Follow them on IG and FB @justjohnandapril.