The Dilemma of Broken Engagements

No one wants to suffer from the pain of a broken engagement. However, it is better to suffer this than from the pain of a failed marriage. A broken engagement allows you to begin the healing process, both emotionally and mentally, so much sooner than a divorce.

Unfortunately, a few circumstances exist that might dissuade some individuals from breaking an engagement even though they believe it to be for the best. First is the embarrassment that most people experience when and if they break an engagement. Secondly, there's the fear that they will be letting people down or disappointing them. Third and probably most important, there's the dread of telling someone that you once thought yourself to be in love with that you no longer want to get married.

In addition, there's the problem of the need to return engagement gifts. There are also all of the arrangements that need to be canceled. Plus, there's the matter of the wedding dress. Should you finish having the dress altered? Should you simply put the dress away until you do decide to get married? Perhaps you should attempt to sell the wedding dress. After all, you may not want to marry someone else with a wedding dress that was intended for someone else.

In fact, the fallout from an engagement that is broken is not only emotional and mental, but it is also financial. Some of the expense spent on wedding preparations is not going to be recouped. Deposits that have been made on various items or services will be lost.

Maybe you need to get a clue and realize that your broken engagement might really be a good thing. After all, who wants to go through life listening to indecision not only from yourself but also from your significant other? The disappointment that others might feel at your decision to cancel the wedding should not stand in the way of a lifetime decision, or your own happiness.

Maybe no one really is ready for the big change in status from single to married, but that doesn't mean you have to go forward with it if you think it's the wrong thing to do. After all, if you are not ready to make the lasting commitment necessary for marriage, then you probably should not get married.

After a time, you will get back on your feet, and eventually get married later in life when you truly are ready. Too much of life is determined by rules, but what rule states that people should stay engaged and get married if they realize that they are making a big mistake?