As a single woman in her mid to late twenties, it is normal to have ambivalent reactions seeing multiple engagement announcements from those in their early twenties on social media. On one hand, it is exciting to see your friends or family members getting married. However, it may cause unnecessary anxiety and pressure for you.

You may ask yourself, “Am I running out of time to get married because it seems like everyone in their early twenties is getting engaged?”

Do not be anxious or feel pressured.  Below are three helpful tips to keep in mind.

Avoid the comparison trap

Everyone’s life path is different. Some get married sooner, while others get married later. There is nothing wrong with being single and there is nothing wrong with getting married later in life. Do not feel pressured to follow anyone else’s timeline but your own. There is no race to rush down the aisle.

Do not let family pressure you into getting married

Do not let yourself be defined by being an unmarried member of your family. And do not let relatives’ questions or comments about your marital status bring you down. There are a couple of ways you could respond, depending on your relationship with your family. You can be upfront and say that you are uncomfortable discussing marriage or you can say you are career motivated.

Focus on your own journey

Look at your path as a single woman this way, you have more time to figure out who you are in your adulthood. You have time to grow independently in your personal and professional life. It is up to you if you want to get married soon or if you want to put your career first. It is not too late to get married.

If you are not prioritizing marriage at the moment, that is perfectly fine. Do not let your friends or family’s engagement announcements distract you from your own life path.

Cameron Custer has been active in politics for over two years. She served as communications director for Abilene Christian University College Republicans. She interned at Dallas County Republican Party, where she has been inspired to continue gaining work experience at a senatorial campaign.

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