combatmedicjen

Well, my fellow Starbucks barista, I'm only 21 and I have been happily married to xepherys for 5 months now

We're both going to school and working, but I think we have it much easier financially than you and nwlinkvxd. We're both in the National Guard, so we have tuition completely paid for. We actually get paid a couple hundred a month to be in school. And we don't have any sort of rent (yay for inheriting houses!)--just utilities and other bills. Like I said, we have it damn easy compared to most, and I'm incredibly grateful for that.

Anyways, there are a few things I considered before moving in and marrying xeph. I had to make sure that I was emotionally ready to share my life with someone. I wanted to make sure that I was confident in myself and my goals, and wouldn't compromise who I had become by being with him. I had to make sure that I was emotionally mature enough to handle the responsibilities of marriage. I had to make sure that I was able to support myself financially, in case anything should happen to him (god forbid). I also had to make sure that I wouldn't compromise our relationship by somehow trying to make him into someone he's not. I wanted to make sure that he was also ready to "take the plunge."

Luckily, I can be my completely crazy self with xepherys, and he can be his geeky, adorkable self with me I'm so happy I married him! Every day I look forward to coming home from work to his embrace and snuggling up next to him every night. I've never been happier! I can't wait to get all old and wrinkly with him

The reason our relationship is so strong is because I lived on my own for three years before I met xeph. In those three years I basically grew up and settled into adulthood. I know that I definitely couldn't have handled marriage when I was 18--I wasn't emotionally mature. I needed that time for myself. But, that's me, and not you

If you want to move in with someone you love, and you're both completely confident in your relationship, then moving in and getting married is the next logical step... but there is NO RUSH! You should not be dependent on each other, financially or emotionally. Rather, you should compliment each other. It's hard enough getting by in this world... having someone else leaning on you can bring you down fast. At least, that's what I've found in past relationships.

Straight to the point (it's cliche time!): follow your heart. If you feel that you are ready to move in and share your life with this man, then PLEASE DO! Don't let his parents or yours stand in the way--if they love you, they will support you. But if there is even an inkling of doubt anywhere in your mind or his, WAIT. He's not going anywhere. Find a roommate on www.roommates.com or something. Let your relationship develop and strengthen without the added stresses of living together, if that's what you decide you need to do.

Best of luck with your move!