Wow, this thread already has 929 replies. No freakin' way I'm reading through all of them. So, if what I say has already been said, sorry.
First thing is don't rush into anything. A lot of people date someone for a couple weeks or months and they're ready to get married. I think that's wrong. And a lot of people get married for the wrong reasons.
I dated my wife off and on for about 4 years (3.5 years straight before I proposed) before deciding to pop the question. My parents got divorced when I was 13 and I always felt that was the worst thing you could do to kids. It took me awhile to be sure she was the one. Not to mention that I had to grow up, too.
Heh, the first few years weren't always easy. It took her awhile to realize she wasn't going to change who I am. Now that doesn't mean I can go out to strip clubs. There are some compromises on both sides, though. Marriage is a partnership, especially when you have kids to raise. She is my wife but also my best friend.
Lastly, I don't know how you are as far as religion. But I would say the biggest reason our marriage has survived all these years when a lot of our friends' marriages haven't is that we have God at the center. That's also a big reason why I don't believe in the old JOP type marriage. Or same sex marriage. But that's a topic for discussion on another thread. Good luck.
