You ask for advice to young men regarding marriage. I’ve only been married 25 years, so may not have enough experience to have worthwhile comments, but here are some quick thoughts.
Ensure that you and your intended are committed to the marriage and not just to ‘love’. There will be times when you will be extremely exasperated by, angry at, or hurt by her. You will do the same to her at times. Both of you should be committed to getting through any problems which arrive: forgive and work things out.
No matter how you are feeling (see above), each of you should endeavor to treat your spouse in a loving manner.
Have the same or adequately similar religious views. Mixed marriages can work, but they are harder.
No sex outside of marriage. Ever. Marriages can sometimes recover from betrayal, but why risk it. (See the first item, above.)
Always try to be kind to your intended, now and when you are married. Kindness smooths a lot of frictions. When you show love, you start to feel love.
You and your spouse should agree that, absence physical abuse or adultery, divorce is never an option.
Have children: biological or adopted. Plural. It will help both of you to mature.
I’m sure more reflection would bring more thoughts, but these are the first, and subject to modification upon reflection.
