So, You Wanna Be a Lone Star...Spouse? Hold Your Horses (and Hopefully Not Wedding Rings)
Howdy, partners! Ever dreamt of saying "I do" under the vast Texas sky? Maybe you pictured yourself twirling in a ten-gallon hat dress, or your special someone serenading you with a banjo. But hold on to your Stetsons, because if you're thinking of tying the knot as a twelve-year-old, well, bless your heart, you're out of luck in the Lone Star State.
Yeehaw! No More Child Marriages!
That's right, folks. Texas used to be the wild west of wedlock, where you could get hitched with a judge's permission if you were under 16. Crazy, right? In fact, between 2000 and 2014, Texas saw more child marriages than any other state – almost 40,000! Enough to make a tumbleweed weep. Luckily, those days are long gone. In 2017, Texas finally moseyed on over to the sensible side and said "adios" to child marriage. Now you gotta be 18 to be saying "I do," no exceptions.
Why No Child Brides in Texas?
Well, let's just say twelve year olds are probably more suited to lemonade stands and dodgeball than dealing with wedded bliss (or, more likely, wedded blisters). Child marriage is a serious issue, with young people being more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and dropping out of school. Basically, it's a recipe for heartbreak, not happily ever after.
But What About True Love, You Say?
Ah, yes, true love. Listen, if you're twelve and think you've found your soulmate, well, that's cute and all. But let's be honest, your idea of true love probably involves sharing your Pokemon cards or having the same favorite flavor of ice cream. The real thing takes time, experience, and maybe even learning not to eat paste.
So, channel your inner cupid elsewhere, young buckaroos. Focus on friendships, hobbies, and maybe even finishing that science project that's due next week. Texas will still be here when you're 18 and ready to two-step down the aisle. In the meantime, just hold onto your cowboy hats (and maybe your childhood for a little while longer).
