Contrary to popular belief, not everyone reaches an epiphany where he or she suddenly feels it is time to get married. Some who would love married life can't get over their fears of commitment, while others who are eager are not emotionally or financially prepared. The decision to commit should never be drawn purely from emotion; it also needs a great deal of thought and personal analysis.

The first consideration is whether or not you've met someone that you completely adore and respect. Do your personalities mesh? Can you communicate? Marriage is a whole new can of beans. Even partners that have lived together for some time find that the pressures of such a commitment take their toll. A couple must be able to communicate their feelings and remain respectful at all times to truly weather difficult times. It's also important to be upfront and honest about personal goals to ensure that you both see eye to eye on critical issues, such as children, careers and where you choose to live. It's important to consider your priorities as well. What place will this person have in your life? Marriage takes a lot of work. Will you be willing to make that sort of effort?

Next you should evaluate yourself. Analyze whether or not you're truly prepared for marriage and all that it embodies. While the definitions of marriage vary from one couple to the next, it is at the very least, a legal commitment. You will share one another's joys and sorrows, money problems and life stresses. You will no longer consider only your own needs when making major life decisions. On the same note, the decisions of another can affect you in a very real way. While a person who is prepared for such a commitment is happy to have another person to both support and depend on, one who is not will become frustrated and, perhaps, overpowering.

It's also important to decide whether you're logistically prepared for marriage. Will you be able to afford the cost that may accompany such a union, particularly if your new partner makes substantially less than you? Will your own personal debt be manageable for the both of you or do you feel you should pay it off before getting married so that you don't overburden your new mate?

Marriage can be both a wonderful and scary thing. Taking the time to really consider whether or not you're truly prepared for such a commitment will increase the likelihood that your marriage will work. Proposing or accepting a proposal before you're ready can lead to major problems down the road.