If you're in doubt, then don't. The right time is when you have no doubts.

My gf and I had been seeing one another for several years when I decided that i finally wanted to get married (late 20s). I decided to live with that thought for one year. Nothing came up to change my mind so I asked her, she bought into the idea. That was about 40 years ago, we are very happy, both retired, have 2 natural kids, one daughter-in-law, and a grandson. I would say know the person an absolute minimum of one year year and preferably two before you consider marriage.

Time may not be the best measure. More about how they treat you, what is their relationship like with their families and friends. Have you had a fight but we're you able to get through it with you. What are their thoughts on money, life style, the future. Do you feel like you hear each other? Fair fighting, compromise, money and kids. All of those things can screw up a marriage.

30-50 years I would say

if he doesn't propose by 6:00 pm on the second day of the 23rd week, he's not serious.

how can anyone answer that! do you really think everyone should be on the same schedule? everyone has a different pace at which s/he feels s/he really knows someone. there is no answer that is good for everyone; you can't even say there is an answer that is good for most. it's really such a personal thing.

g

My ex asked on the second date. Married 4 months later. While we eventually split, the marriage was pretty great for about 18years, split at 27 yrs. I think it's different for everyone.

"how long...in a relationship" seems a tertiary concern to me, compared to how healthy is the integration of living?

You can do anything you want with a good prenup!

That would depend upon what you do with the time you are together. If you spend time talking about everything, good things and bad, and getting to know each other, then you will know each other sooner than if you spend time doing things together but not really talking about who you are, what your hopes and dreams are, and where you want to be in five to ten years.

Realistically of the right questions were asked and everyone involved was honest with themselves and gave exhaustive answers to those questions, then I think less than a year. Obviously that also requires the people in question to know themselves and what it is they want out of life. Otherwise you might spend a decade with someone and never truly know who they are.

Ask yourself, Is the relationship a "good thing"? If it is, why take the chance of screwing up a good thing. I suggest you rent the movie "Out of Africa" with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Listen carefully to what Redford says to Meryl Streep for each reason she insists that they get married. Also note how it all ends...she screws it up by being illogical.

I’ve been involved with the same woman for like 19 years, but I really don’t want to rush into something........

If the relationship is good, why would anyone want to ruin it with marriage?

Marriage is an antiquated and unnecessary social construct. It's not anything that would make a relationship "better". It's just a legal contract. It's certainly not a guarantee of anything. Any legal benefits obtained through marriage can be easily achieved (and easier to get out of) by drawing up legal documents outlining what each party wants from the arrangement. Divorce is expensive AF, and one stands to lose far more than just their "stuff". Child custody is also easier to deal with.

If anyone believes that marriage "validates" a relationship, perhaps that person
is too immature to even be in a relationship in the first place. Why does a relationship need to be "validated" anyway? Who does that benefit?

If marriage is what a person thinks should be end result of getting into a relationship, perhaps they should make sure their partner agrees with that
LONG before the subject of getting married ever even is brought up.

Never again!

At least a year.

If you're a guy, Never.

6 months, imo

Why should it EVER be brought up?

What bingst said.

6 months at least

How about the first day? It's easy . . . . I am not going to marry you. How was that?

It varies on the couple and their values. My ex and I were together 4 months when I asked and married 6 months later. I have several good friends that have lived together for more than 20 years, raised a family and didnt get married until their kids were grown and out of the house.

How longs a piece of string? Its really up to you guys. Ive been married and just lived together. Considering how easy divorce was Im not sure it made much difference.

37 minutes...maybe 38...I'm sure you know there's no "right" time...when both feel comfortable

I don't think there is a set time. For me I'm not sure I ever want to be married. I would like a long term relationship, but the piece of paper is unnecessary.

"It depends".

If neither party knows themselves and is not very grounded in reality, the answer becomes "never".

In all my relationships, I've gone from zero to 60 mph inside of six months, but that's arguably too fast.