How long should someone date until getting engaged?

[nadarama]

I don't think there is no set time! It depends on the couple!

[elysee24]

It depends. A friend of mine has a 7 years rule. He thinks you need to take 7 years to get to know the person before poping the question. However, the girl he is with hate it. So many precious time got wasted since they live far away from each other and could hardly see each other.

[candyterrius]

It’s up to the individual. A couple can date or cohabit together for as long as they want. Some prefer to take it slow. We cannot live their life for them. As long as they know deep down in their heart they know this is what they want and are emotionally ready for the long term commitment, then tie the knot.

[lguzman1]

 For me, I would get to know as much as I can about the person I want to get engaged with. To get engaged is something very serious and important to take lightly. Take it easy and really don't do it until you are curtain that you love this person and that you are willing to conpromise in certain things. Good luck if you are consedering in getting engaged. 

[brum7814]

Meh, Just date for 3 months then have a 5 year engagement.  Problem solved.  =-P

[schoolvan]

I don't think you really need to get married just live together if something happens in the future then no problem you just leave.

[carty1]

People should wait until God tells them they should get married  :angel11. Marriage isn't easy and it really hurts when people just jump into marriage just because that's why the divorce rate is so high. People are just rushing into marriage.

[jenniferhoder]

I think the biggest mistake people can make is thinking that you "have to" propose to someone because the pressure is on.
You propose because you can't stand the thought of not spending the next 50+ years of your life without them!
The number of years you have been together is just that- a NUMBER.
More emphasis should be put on the type of relationship you have!!!

[PGS28]

I don't think there's a time limit on when a couple should get engaged.  Now, after 7 years if there is no formal committment and one party wants one then it's obviously not going to happen so the person that wants more should seek it elsewhere.  I definitely don't think 6 months is too soon to get engaged though.

[sak4kat]

I agree with many of you on several points.  An engagement and marriage is between 2 people.  And everyone's circumstances are different and unique.  Divorce rates are insane and blended families are the norm.  It's a big life changing event that can make or potential break a couple in more than one way.  Financial recovery from a divorce is nothing to take lightly and although not pleasant to think about it is real and that's what one needs to face when making the choice of an engagement... Reality!  Although the rings and the "I do's" are volatile a marriage goes much deeper.

[mary33716]

 it all depends on each person i dated for 2 yrs before i got married now some other engaged right away i feel it up to each person and only they can make that call and there one spending each day with each other i feel await at least 1 yr but agin thats me and how i feel.

[gennjen]

I would say at least two years or longer.Sometimes couples make mistakes by getting engaged too soon.

[Tresbn00]

I think that a couple should date for at least a year.  Then the couple should move in together for a year and begin mixing their assets...checking accounts/savings accounts etc.  At that point they should become engaged and get married one year later.  All of a person's annoying habits come out when you live with them and you can find out what a control freak you might be marrying once expenses and income are shared.  I love my wife dearly but didn't think we were going to make it through our first year because of the finances and questions that go with them.

[IRKY]

i would think that they should be dating for a couple of years before getting engaged. and within those few years they should also live together so they know what they're getting in to.

[lannl]

I think you should take your time if you can. Divorce is an awful thing and custody battles are nightmares. So a few years or more would be good to wait. I personally do not think I would ever do it again.