There are various reasons why a couple might choose not to get married even after being engaged for a long time. Some of these reasons include:
Financial Concerns: Weddings can be expensive, and some couples may delay getting married until they feel more financially stable or can afford the wedding they envision.
Career or Education Priorities: Focusing on career advancement or pursuing higher education might take precedence over getting married at a particular time.
Personal Beliefs and Values: Some couples may have personal or religious beliefs that lead them to prioritize other commitments over marriage.
Fear of Commitment: The idea of formalizing the relationship through marriage may trigger fear or anxiety about commitment for one or both partners.
Legal or Immigration Issues: In some cases, couples may delay marriage due to legal complexities or immigration-related matters.
Prioritizing Relationship Over Formalities: Some couples may prioritize their relationship and commitment to each other over the legal or societal formalities of marriage.
Unresolved Issues or Concerns: If there are unresolved issues or concerns within the relationship, such as trust or communication problems, the couple might postpone marriage until these are addressed.
Fear of Divorce: Fear of potential divorce may lead some couples to hesitate in taking the step of marriage, especially if they've witnessed difficult divorces within their families or close circles.
Co-habitation Satisfies Their Needs: For some couples, living together and having a committed relationship without legal marriage fulfills their emotional and practical needs.
Family Pressures: Cultural or familial expectations to marry might exist, but the couple may feel that it's not the right time or that they should decide for themselves when to marry.
Legal Rights Already Established: In some regions or jurisdictions, long-term cohabiting couples may have legal rights and protections similar to married couples, making formal marriage less urgent.
Fear of Changing Dynamics: Marriage can bring changes to the dynamics of a relationship, and some couples might prefer to maintain their current arrangement.
It's essential to recognize that each couple's decision is unique and should be respected. There's no one-size-fits-all timeline for when or if a couple should get married. The most crucial factor is open and honest communication between partners to understand each other's perspectives and desires for the future of their relationship.