Owning Your Path: The Data Behind Timing Marriage, Family, and Health

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Let’s get real.

We’ve all been there. The unsolicited advice pouring in: "When are you going to settle down?" "Have kids!" "Why don’t you settle into a family?"

And honestly, I get it. I’ve seen the pendulum swing. Fifteen years ago, the unattached, free-spirited man was the hero. Think Jason Statham or Daniel Craig – guys who lived life on their terms, breaking hearts and taking names.

They were the embodiment of freedom.

But now? It’s shifted. The narrative of family values, legacy, and responsibility is everywhere. And let me tell you, I’m all for that. I’m not anti-family.

But here’s the problem we don’t talk enough about: The family system is broken right now.

Divorce rates are at an all-time high. Relationships are fragile. And, let’s be honest, a lot of us weren’t taught how to pick the right partner. People rush into marriage and family life without fully understanding themselves.

And the result? A whole lot of unhappy marriages, divorces, and people settling for lives that don’t truly align with their paths.

I’m here to tell you: Don’t force it.

We all have our wiring.

And if you're not ready to marry and have kids? That’s okay. Some men are wired to settle down early, build a family, and thrive in that environment. But that doesn’t mean everyone is.

Take me, for example. I’m more of a Jason Statham meets Daniel Craig type. The do-it-all, explore-it-all kind of guy. I thrive in my 30s. I’m building, creating, living life at full tilt.

And when the time comes, I’ll bring someone into the world I’ve built, not the one society expects me to have by now.

In my 40s? That’s when I’ll start that next chapter – family life.

But on my terms. Not because I’m pressured. Because I’m ready.

But let’s take a step back and look at this with some data. Because I’m not just pulling this out of thin air.

Let’s talk about why timing really does matter.

Marriage and Divorce Rates – The Numbers Don’t Lie

In the U.S., the marriage rate has dropped dramatically over the past few decades. In 2000, the U.S. had a marriage rate of 8.2 per 1,000 people. By 2023, that dropped to 6.1 per 1,000 .

People are waiting longer to get married – in fact, the average age of first marriage is now 28.6 years for women and 30.2 years for men . That’s a massive shift from 1956, when the average was 20 for women and 22.5 for men . This trend isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon – it’s happening worldwide.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Later marriages are generally more successful. Marrying before age 25 is linked to a much higher risk of divorce. Some studies suggest that waiting until 25 or older significantly reduces the chance of divorce .

This is the sweet spot – the place where you’ve had the time to get yourself together, mature, and really understand what you need in a partner. So, if you’re in your late 20s or early 30s and you’re not feeling the pressure to settle down – relax.

You’re not behind.

You’re right where you need to be.

Testosterone and Men’s Health: A Wake-Up Call

Now, let’s talk about something people don’t talk about enough: men’s health. Specifically, testosterone levels. There’s been a significant decline in men’s testosterone levels over the last few decades.

A study analyzing young men from 1999 to 2016 found that testosterone levels in the same age group dropped about 1% per year over the last two decades . This isn’t just aging – it’s a generational decline. Men today have lower testosterone levels at the same age their fathers did.

And guess what? This decline impacts everything. Your energy, mood, muscle mass, and even fertility are all influenced by testosterone. But here’s the thing: you can take control.

If you’re proactive with your health – improving your fitness, sleep, diet, and stress management – you can optimize your hormone levels and improve your quality of life. I’ve seen it firsthand. Men who’ve invested in their health are not only feeling better but performing better in their personal lives and careers.

The Fertility Connection – You Are What You Eat (and Lift)

Speaking of health – your fertility is directly connected to it. Men often overlook how critical their physical health is when it comes to starting a family. The good news? If you optimize your health, it can make a world of difference.

In one study, men who lost weight saw dramatic improvements in their sperm count and quality. Specifically, obese men who lost 16.5 kg (about 36 pounds) saw their sperm count jump by 50% in just 8 weeks .

That’s not a small change. And it doesn’t stop there. Men who exercise regularly, particularly strength training, have higher sperm quality and testosterone levels . In short, getting leaner and stronger can improve fertility.

So, if having kids is on your horizon, it’s time to focus on your health now – because the better shape you’re in, the better chance you have when you’re ready to start that family.

Life Satisfaction: Timing Is Everything

Here’s the kicker: Timing isn’t just about relationships and health – it’s also about life satisfaction. How you plan your life trajectory can have a profound effect on your happiness.

Delaying marriage and children isn’t a bad thing – in fact, research shows it can lead to greater happiness in the long run.

A study in Germany and the UK tracked life satisfaction after having children. Guess what? Parents who had kids later in life (mid-30s or beyond) reported higher levels of life satisfaction than younger parents .

Why?

Because they had more financial stability, emotional maturity, and relationship stability. The parents who had children in their early 20s didn’t see that same happiness bump – in fact, they often experienced a drop in satisfaction after becoming parents .

So, don’t feel pressured to start your family just because everyone around you is. When you’re ready – when you’re emotionally and financially stable – that’s when you’ll see the real joy and fulfillment of building a family.

The Bottom Line

So, what’s my point in all of this?

It’s simple: Own your timeline.

The world will try to tell you when you should get married, when you should have kids, and what your life should look like.

But the truth is, only you can decide when the time is right for you. And when you make that decision on your own terms – not out of pressure, not because of what society says – that’s when you’ll build the most fulfilling life.

Right now, I’m focused on building my empire, creating, and exploring. And when the time is right, I’ll bring someone into the world I’ve built, not one I’ve rushed into because of external pressure.

My 30s are my building phase.

My 40s?

That’s when I’ll start the family chapter, and it’ll be intentional. But it’ll happen when I’m ready, not a moment sooner.

So, take a deep breath, slow down, and own your path. Whether that means focusing on health, career, or relationships – do it on your terms. The best things in life happen when you’re ready for them, and you don’t need to rush the journey.

Own your path. Own your timeline. And trust that when the time is right, you’ll know.

Will Nemo

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What’s your take on timing in life?

Are you ready for the next chapter, or are you focusing on building yourself first?

Drop your thoughts below – I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own timeline.