That's the kind of thing I can't do - decorating, etc. We're stuck in visa limbo. I can't even commit to a twelve month broadband internet contract in case we leave next month. Totally sucks. I've been in the same government job for 15 months because I keep thinking 'it won't be long now'.

Glad to hear you say you didn't feel like you were missing out on anything. I definitely don't. In fact, I sometimes feel sorry for the friends of mine that 'don't get it'.

I think marriage in your early-mid twenties is more common in America. I have lots of American friends (originally my wife's friends, now mine) who are married or jealous of her for having found someone and being married. Here in Englnad, young people today seem to find it weird. Having said that, my parents were both 21 when they were married and 24 when they had me, but I think now the average age of getting married is 32 or something. I am definitely in the minority. These days it seems to be all about career and multiple partners. But You gotta do what you feel is the right path for you. I'm proud of myself for going against the grain.