Marrying Early: A Fresh Look at Love and Life Choices

A quarterback who is still in his twenties has sparked a new conversation about getting married before the age of thirty. His name is Drake Maye, and he joined a Super Bowl team while still very young. Last summer, he tied the knot with his high‑school sweetheart, Ann Michael Maye, and he talked openly about how that decision has shaped his life. He said the joy of coming home to a partner who cares about him is priceless, and he encouraged his teammates to follow suit. People often think it’s better to wait until later in life to marry. The common belief is that the twenties should be spent building a career, traveling, and enjoying the freedom of being single. The idea is that once you’ve “made it” you can then settle down. Yet the evidence shows otherwise. As people age, the chance of meeting someone and getting married drops sharply. The average first marriage now happens around thirty, but after forty the odds fall dramatically. Delaying marriage also means missing a window for starting a family, because fertility declines with age for both men and women. A study by the Institute for Family Studies found that after thirty, a woman’s probability of having a child halves. This is due to both biology and the fact that fewer young adults are dating.The benefits of early marriage show up in happiness studies. Couples who marry in their twenties and have children report higher life satisfaction than single, childless peers. Data suggests that early marriage can be a source of deep joy and purpose, even if it comes with the risk of divorce. However, couples who are mature friends and share values—especially those who attend a local church—tend to stay together longer. The story of Drake Maye and his wife illustrates that marriage before the thirties can be a positive life hack. He has a partner who knows him from childhood, which may reduce the stresses that come with fame and success. He says he has no regrets about marrying early, and his choice may inspire others to consider the same path. In a world where young people often choose to postpone marriage, Maye’s experience shows that early commitment can offer companionship, stability, and the chance to grow together. Rather than waiting for a perfect moment that may never come, some might find that marrying early is a wise and fulfilling decision.