If there is one generation known to love breaking the norms, that would be the millennials. They are known for their non-stereotypical way of living, working, and having fun. While Baby Boomers and Gen X raised them, they have different takes on how they choose to live their life. One good example of how different millennials are to older generations is how they view marriage.
The Declining Marriage Rate
Before, one can consider marriage to be an economic arrangement. Older generations would marry early to express their love and commitment. But when it comes to millennials, many of them remain unmarried until the age of 40.
The declining marriage rate is the biggest drop ever recorded. This is not to say that they are against marriage. They are not even trying to change how society views wedlock.
Millennials are simply being more strategic when it comes to tying the knot. They have varying reasons why they choose to stay unmarried for a longer time. Financial problems, experiencing the wrath of divorce first-hand, and the challenges of marriage are often the main reasons millennials are delaying marriage.
Why More Millennials Are Putting Off Marriage Plans
Millennials are known for their passion for everything customized. They like personalizing every experience possible, from choosing customized engagement rings to creating their own wedding souvenirs. They do this to add a personal touch to special events and to save money in the process.
However, many millennials are struggling financially. They know they can’t afford a grand wedding, nor are they willing to splurge in exchange for more debt. Their student loans and credit card debts are already enough of a headache for this cash-poor generation.
More millennials are also welcoming partners from different races and religions. This usually means multiple wedding ceremonies to satisfy each other’s religion and taste. Since many of them are already cash-strapped, they are choosing to postpone tying the knot.
Do Millennials Still Believe in Marriage?
Even with the declining marriage rate, a survey shows that single millennials still dream of marrying someday. Their choice to delay marriage does not necessarily mean they are no longer open to the idea of wedlock. They have a different view on how soon they should be tying the knot.
Many millennials’ desire to get married did not change. Sure, many are struggling financially and mentally. But that does not change that they still believe that marriage is crucial in a long-term relationship.
How Millennials Are Helping Bring Down the Divorce Rate
More millennials are choosing to cohabitate with their partners before tying the knot. Many consider this as a way of testing the waters before committing to marriage. Such a practice is helping lower today’s divorce rate.
Since fewer millennials are getting married, we cannot count those separated from their partners as divorced. They did not sign any legal paper stating they were legally husbands and wives. Even if they choose to go on separate ways, they are fewer financial and legal implications to worry about.
Millennials and Prenuptials
Back in the day, only the rich and powerful would sign prenuptial before tying the knot. These days, even millennials are protecting their assets before marriage. They realize the importance of the dividing of finances and assets even before they marry.
Millennials, although many are struggling financially, fear divorce. They wish to protect whatever assets and wealth they have before marrying the love of their life. They do this as a safety precaution in case their marriage won’t work.
The Role of Tech in Millennials’ Choice to Delay Marriage
Technology made the impossible possible with a few clicks and taps. Before, dating took a lot of time and effort. These days, you can find a date by simply using an online dating app or talking to a random stranger on social media. Technology’s speed, reliability, and efficiency made it possible to have multiple choices, inevitably slowing down one’s desire to settle down.
Tech made it easy to find a date and replace them the next day. Millennials are also enjoying the fact that they can test-drive different partners before choosing to commit. With more Gen Y having multiple partners to see if they are intimately compatible before committing, this gives them more freedom to take their time in the dating game.
This goes to show just how much millennials are changing the wedding landscape. More of them are signing prenuptial even if fewer are getting married. They utilize tech to find dates and test their relationship by cohabitating. Their practices may not fit the ideals of the older generation. But if there is one thing for sure, they are doing what they feel will benefit them in the long run.
