Our parents are against us...

My girlfriend and I recently decided to take the plunge and get engaged because we have been together for three years and felt as if it was time. When I approached my parents, they were not very enthusiastic and kept asking me if I was sure. I am 27 years old, and my girlfriend is 24. My parents kept saying I should give this more time until I am settled financially, which is not a good argument because I earn enough, and my girlfriend also has a steady job. We are both convinced we can make this work, but the way my parents reacted has made me doubt the whole thing. My girlfriend said her parents were not supportive either, and wanted her to think about this for a couple of years. We are both surprised at how this has turned out and are thinking of postponing the engagement for two more years. Is this dangerous for our relationship?
Nothing is more dangerous for any relationship than complacency. You can both decide to get engaged two years from now, or even later, provided you are clear about what the big picture is and how hard you are willing to work to make it happen. If your parents, and hers, have any reservations, they are valid because they aren’t exactly opposing your decision. They are asking for stability and time, which are reasonable requests given the circumstances. If neither of you is in a hurry to marry, and you are both sure about wanting to be together, it may make your families more supportive too. They probably need to feel as if this is a decision based on a sensible approach. Speak to your girlfriend about how she feels, talk about security and the future, and keep in mind that an engagement two years from now means nothing in the larger scheme of things.

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