How long should you date before proposing as independent adults?

[Anonymous]

I’m talking about functional adults with jobs and independence, not highly school sweethearts that can date for years before finishing school, or having a job

[abc3643]

Well, ironically, it is the high school sweethearts who usually have the best marriages because they grew up together.

Relationships that start betwenn "functional adults with jobs and independence" are more like corporate mergers and those often don't go well.

Anyway, to answer your question: 4 years.
2 years dating then 2 years of childless cohabitation.

Why?

You want 2 years of dating to before you can see if you'd want to possibly live with someone.
Over a 2-year span, you will know them well enough to see if the relationship or living together is plausible or not. Too many people will be selfish assholes who should not ever be in a relationship, but you need time to discover this.

The 2-years of cohabitation is a test-drive for life. And, I'd also want to recomment hosting a party (such as a dinner party) with at least 6 guests once. Why? You want to see how the other person functions under pressure - especially social pressure. If you can tolerate someone and they can tolerate you under pressure, then there is a decent chance you can make it because life will be filled with high pressure situations in which both of you have to 1) keep your shit together and 2) function as a team to solve whatever crisis is facing you. This means losing some independence, developing some interdependence, but also being stronger and more capable together to face life's challenges.

Do not have kids until married for a few years.

[Anonymous]

Hell 😈😅 if we're talking "an ideal woman in an ideal world" which isn't realistic - a year or two.

If I was stupid and stupid - weeks to months lol.
And if I was in the real world by now already married - I'd say I'd have proposed to a woman within 1-2 years of dating 'then again I don't want the pressures of a white picket fence and a family to feed"

So I think I'm not cut out to answer. 😶😄 Living a merry life of abstinence Bachelor 😌

[Opinion Owner]

Stay single folks , ain't that a public service message lol 😞😆 nah it is for some people, relationships. I'm good.

[CriminallyInsane]

Why put a length of time on it? When you know you want to and the time is right...

[Abbycado]

There isn’t a specific timeline. When it feels right.

[Nikki1989]

When it feels right, make it happen.

[Anonymous]

It depends form couple to couple. Personally, it wouldn't take ne too long to reach that conclusion. Its the only reason I would date.

[DryGermanGuy]

Exactly 42 weeks.

[Anonymous]

It's your personal decision.

[In_Trance]

3-5 years