Something I wrote at work today...

After a conversation with my boyfriend last night and going out with friends after, it made me think - people are getting married at a much younger age. I have friends who are engaged and have a child. These people are 20, 21 tops. In most circumstances it is obviously umplanned, but I know of one case where it is planned. Is there a reason why this is happening? A lower socio-economic background? Maybe, but I don't think thats it. One case I know of a girl from a very well off family, at university, 21 married and has a brand new house built from the ground up. Is there an explanation?

Back 5 or so years ago this would have been totally shunned. Teen pregnancy was not the result of a commited relationship, and mostly the grandmother played major role in the raising the child, or at least that was my understanding. I think relationships are so much more serious and casual aquaintances are more casual. In the 88-89 generation it seems the extremes are more extreme.

From my perspective I can completely understand why this is happening. We caught the end of 'tough love' parenting and are watching our younger siblings being pampered. Life for us is a lot harder than anyone gives us credit for. Has anyone over the age of 35 tried to get a low wage, physically demanding job lately? This market, we have to compete with younger, cheaper people below us, yet we don't have the experience or skills to take on the world above. I feel so insecure about my job. We are thrust into a world of doom and gloom. Is it so horrible to want to come home at the end of the day to someone who loves you?

I am 19 and I have been with my boyfriend for 2 1/2 years. I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with him. We've been doing the long distance thing for 12 months and yet we still remained faithful (much to the displeasure of some people).

I would marry him in a heartbeat because I, like my fellows, are not children. I am an adult, and I have been since I was about 15. We are he generation who grew up too fast. But thats ok, cause we are going to save the world, we may as well start now.

Wishing you all breakfast in bed. xx