I am sad to say, very sad, that my eldest daughter is one of those young women. She spent 3 years with one guy, and it didn't work out. I told her don't do that again, waste 3 years on someone who will never commit. She did anyway. There was also a high school guy that she wasted a few years on.
So, now she is 29 with three broken hearts and no prospects at the moment for the future.
She is a highly intelligent young woman; but, she went from high school, to college, to grad school, to working for a university. So, a very smart girl, with some very silly ideas. I think the culture, and the educational system, fill these girls with ideas that the most important thing is to have a fulfilling career. When they realize that they actually do want a husband and a family, they are at an age where getting both of those things are problematic.
i met my husband at 29 after a series of long-term relationships... i guess the thing is, i didn't want to get married before then... i was raised being told i would not marry young... and so i always knew i would not marry young... i love the life i had before i got married--bought my first house when i was 25, enjoyed my career, worked in ministry with wonderful young adult Christians... met my kindred spirit, who is 5 years older than i... we married a year later... when i met my husband i was sure i could marry him... and i treated my relationship with him differently than my relationships with the others...
So, a very smart girl, with some very silly ideas. I think the culture, and the educational system, fill these girls with ideas that the most important thing is to have a fulfilling career.
That being said, the smartest women are the ones are are both educated and marry in their 20s. Its okay to have a career, but family should come first. I think many young women have been brainwashed into thinking that they can find a husband at any age. Not saying its impossible, but after 29, it gets much harder with each passing year.
Your daughter may also want to set her sights on older men, as they might appreciate her more. I can see where a 29 year old woman might not want to marry someone over 40, but there are advantages.
I think this pattern is the norm now. Not ideal but the norm.
Most men want a women who can help pay the bills so their holding out longer to find one.
Also the family laws are so anti-male that many men are shy about getting married.
Our culture is anti-marriage in subtle ways and this is the result.
Our daughters must be getting their ideas on life from the same books!
It's not that she doesn't want to get married but she's with a guy that is just now, at 29, getting his act together. She's an over achiever and he's pretty laid back. They make a great couple but they are in different places in their careers.