DEAR ABBY: My husband and I married very young by today's standards. We met when I was 17, started dating when I was 18, became engaged at 19 and married at 20. My family supported the marriage. We completed a full year of premarital counseling and a weekend marriage course, as well. We're financially stable and very much in love.
Two years later, we're still happy as ever and know that marrying was the right choice for us.
Acquaintances and strangers often feel the need to tell us that our marriage "won't last." Some even go as far as to say, "Are you crazy? Why would you do that?" Is there a polite way to respond to these comments? We find them hurtful and insulting. -- YOUNG AND IN LOVE
DEAR IN LOVE: Those comments are not only rude and insulting, they are also presumptuous, and a reflection of the speakers' biases and possible problems with making a commitment. But please do not sink to their level. Marrying late is no guarantee that the union will be successful, either. To those who say it won't last, smile and reply, "Time will tell." It's the truth.