Women of my generation have opted to "settle down" quite later in life compared to decades ago. My Grandmother married at the age of 17. Her excuse was that it was world war II, people got married because they thought they wouldn't survive the war. My Mom got married when she was 25, which was the latest age a girl was expected to be given away, during her generation. In her case it was the only time my strict grandparents unwillingly gave their blessing, thanks to my elder sister's imminent arrival. For the past couple of years, women got married mostly because they got pregnant, and in the Philippines, its a disgrace to have a child out of wedlock. Now in my generation, women are more independent and strong-willed. Single-parenthood is preferred than a troubled marriage and women have prioritized career over motherhood.
I got married at the age of 32. Earlier in life I've made up my mind that I'd marry at the right time, if the right man comes along. I had no qualms about being single for life, though having a baby has always been a must for me. I'm a doctor and I made it a point that I would get my degree and secure my practice before walking down the aisle. My husband-then-boyfriend is a lawyer, he too (like any other guy at any generation) wanted to do everything before getting hitched. Lucky him, in the 9 years that we were together I never badgered him about marriage because I had my degree to attend to. So, after finishing my residency in Dermatology, and my husband had passed his bar exams and was gainfully employed in a government office, we pooled all our resources and got married last Dec. 29, 2008.
