How long did you date?

We dated for about 9 months before I tricked her into taking the ring (long story), lived in sin for another two-and-a-half years and have been happy for twelve years much more than not.
A very wise man gave me some great advice a few weeks before my wedding.
"All things fade, if you cannot have a sixty-year conversation with this person, don't do it. If you hesitate answering this question, don't do it."

[FloridaDragon]

Let's see ... with the FIRST wife I met her in a night class at the local junior college (COBOL, if you can believe that) ...we dated for about 4 years through college ... then I proposed and we were married 6 months later. Lasted 7 years.

Second, current, and final wife, met her in late 98. Started dating July of 99. She moved in August 99.... we bought a house together in CT in late 2000....I proposed late 03. Married 04/04/04 (how is that for a great date that I can't possibly forget!!)

[Ibby]

04/04/04?!

In chinese, the word for four, "si" 四, is, in a different tone, the word for death, 死. Therefore, most Chinese buildings don't have a fourth floor, and four is a very unlucky number. April fourth, 4/4, is the most unlucky day of the year. 4/4/04, therefore...

[FloridaDragon]

Originally Posted by Ibram

04/04/04?!

In chinese, the word for four, "si" 四, is, in a different tone, the word for death, 死. Therefore, most Chinese buildings don't have a fourth floor, and four is a very unlucky number. April fourth, 4/4, is the most unlucky day of the year. 4/4/04, therefore...

Good thing we are not Chinese I guess

1993 and those are Goofys on my vest.
http://tinyurl.com/zkg4o
I'm still the luckiest man in the world... still can't figure it out.
http://tinyurl.com/k5nr7
Perhaps she ain't as bright as she looks...
http://tinyurl.com/kdukv

[Stress Puppy]

Same in Japanese culture, except in japanese four has a few pronunciations. Shi and Yon are common.

I dated my ex for two years before we got married. We tied the knot so that I could share my excellent medical benefits with her. Honestly, with how the relationship is now, I wish I hadn't. But there's a ton of issues there, and it shouldn't be taken as any kind of yard stick.

[FloridaDragon]

Well I am happy to report that the number 4 only holds fantastic images and hopes for us, regardless of what the Japanese or Chinese think. Hey, it had to be better than 06/06/06, right? And when I (kidding, of course) suggested 12/12/12 I got a real nasty look (it stung). Some cultures consider pork foul, others (like me) love that bacon! To each their own and I won't step on their beliefs as long as they leave mine alone as well.

Back on the subject line of the thread....I don't think the time is an issue if you are right for each other ... I know people who married after only a few months of meeting each other and they are as happy today (15 or so years later) as they were when they first met. Others (like a family member) who lived with someone for a couple years just fine, they got married and were divorced within 6 months ... go figure.