When people say they want to get married and "settle down" what does that mean?

Stop being single, have a serious relationship, maybe a family, a dog, a house…the usual american dream ideals.

Stop playing the field with regard to dating.

I’m assuming my question is what prompted yours.. and, in my case, it means not living the way I have up until this point! It sounds so appealing to pick a place to establish an ‘adult’ life. When you’re tethered to someone, you can’t just do whatever you want, go wherever, etc.. You have a life together. Then, to me, the rest of it means settling into a two person life, rather than a one person life. House, kids, etc.

Stop going out every night, don’t got to the bar after work instead of going home, not partying every weekend.

@zenvelo

Right.

Very important!

The usual reason why a lot of young marriages don’t work.

I see “settle down” to mean, starting a commitment to one person, partying less, putting down some roots, starting a family, re-working your priorities, etc…

@zenvelo has it right. (Zen, is that you?)

Stop exploring so many options. Make some choices and commit to them. Grow up.

@filmfann no, @zen is someone else, and I think he is going by @seazen . I have been using zenvelo on other boards for many years.

I have no idea, as well. I suppose it means moving into a different chapter of their life where they don’t have to search for the ONE any longer. However, to me settling down was never an option because I equate that with less growth and I want more growth all the time. Marriage to me means something else.

Agree with @WillWorkForChocolate

It doesn’t necessarily mean less growth to everyone, @Simone_De_Beauvoir. If I’d kept on sprouting main branches close to the ground, I’d have been a shrub. I knew when it was time for me to quit branching and start building a sturdier trunk. New leaves come along regularly, and they can thrive and multiply because the plant is solid.

It means different strokes for different folks. To me it kind of signifies a life sentence without the possibility for parole. “Only joking dear, light of my life!” :¬)

@Jeruba No, it doesn’t mean less growth for everyone, obviously. I just believe it does, generally speaking.

@Jeruba what a beautiful analogy!