Practically all my friends tied the knot before we were even old enough to rent a car. They somehow locked lips with the man or woman of their dreams and then pinky-promised to spend a lifetime together… no matter what.

But by my 25th birthday, I was downloading my eighth dating app of the month, trying to find a guy who didn’t make me roll my eyes before the dinner rolls were even served.

Now, with just a year and a half until I turn 30, I look down at my left hand and see only a ring I bought for myself at Forever 21 last month. I’m as far from walking down the aisle as most Millennials are from cashing in on their 401(k)s.

I’m also terribly annoyed at people telling me—both directly and indirectly—that I’ve missed my chance at marriage. They say I should have spent more time looking for Mr. Right in college instead of searching for the free ice cream machine in the cafeteria.

Some of my young, married friends tell me it’s time to kick some of my insurmountable career dreams and instead spend that energy serial-dating until I find my guy.

Recently, a lady I sat next to on a plane ride back to my parents’ house in Boca Raton, Florida, told me that I could easily pass for a girl who’s 24 and should therefore lie about my age on dating profiles. Lie about my age? I’m only 28. Let’s not have those itty-bitty wrinkles on my forehead make you think otherwise.

That’s why I decided to seek some professional advice.

I wasn’t ready to see a therapist because I knew they would probably tell me to stop complaining and start dating. I wasn’t ready for a matchmaker because I worried they would say I’d have to take a spaceship to Mars to find my perfect match.

So, I chatted with three relationship experts and one psychic medium. They all practically told me the same thing: I still have a chance.

The good news is, they all agreed that the best time to get married is actually when you’re in your late 20s and early 30s. It looks like I’m in my prime time to hear wedding bells any day now, right?

Well, I still have to find the right person. But until then, here’s why the ages between 28 and 32 are the best time to say “I do”:

1. You’ve already had your growing pains. The best age to wed is late 20s to early 30s. Getting married too young is risky, as someone may still have a lot of growing and maturing to do. People often make better choices in many areas of life when they are older and wiser. – Marni Feuerman, licensed couples therapist in Boca Raton, Florida
2. You know what you want. According to statistics by Nick Wolfinger, a Professor of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah, the ages of 28 to 32 are ideal for marriage for those hoping to have a lasting relationship. This age range nurtures individuals who have discovered themselves and what they want, both personally and professionally. – Sarah Lisovich, content strategist at CIA Medical
3. It’s written in the stars. According to astrology, the ideal age is the 29th year or after, influenced by the Saturn Return. This astrological event signifies maturity and can bring significant life changes, including marriage. – Amira Celon, relationship expert/psychic medium
4. Do the math. Studies suggest that certain life events can delay readiness for marriage. For instance, men may need two to three years after a major event like graduation or relocation before considering marriage. While the best age for marriage may be around 28, individual circumstances can vary greatly. – Phillip Petree, author of “The Man Puzzle: A Guide to Understanding Men”

Final Thoughts

Turning 30 and not being married is not a reason to panic. With these insights, you can embrace this stage of your life with confidence. Remember, your journey is unique, and there’s no deadline for finding love.