Male (16): A wedding.
Female (18): Two people being in love.
Female (17): Being together forever.
Male (15): Being together through everything, thick and thin, always being there for one another.

r: What characteristics are important in a potential marriage partner? What's important to think of when considering marriage?

Male (15): You should have the same personality.
Female (18): The couple should have the same living standards. 
Female (17): You should marry someone who is trustworthy and respects your boundaries.
Female (18): They have to be fun, too, and make you laugh!
Male (15): Oh, yeah! Laughing is a big thing!
Female (18): If they don't make you happy, then what's the point?
Male (16): They have to be able to get along with my family. If they don't like my family or get along with my family, then they're gone because my family is the biggest part of my life.

r: Do you think it's important for 2 people in a committed relationship to make the decision to get married?

Female (17): It's a really big decision and they have to be positive. In today's world, if people start to become negative, well,
it's over.
Male (15): Yeah, a high divorce rate is not what you are looking for.

r: What things and circumstances make it the right time to get married? Is there a right age for marriage in your opinion?

Male (15): I think it all really depends. I don't think getting married right out of high school is the best cause that really ties you down. And then you have all of the financial stuff to deal with. I think it's best to go to college, get a job, have some fun, think hard about it, and then go for it.
Female (18): My parents have been married since right out of high school and had my brother right away.  But the most important thing was that they had a steady income, they were good on their feet, and they could provide for themselves. I think that's the big part.
Male (16): If they aren't stable, they're going to end up getting a divorce.
Female (17): I agree. It's important to have the things you need to have done first, instead of just rushing into it and then being together and having to deal with everything and all the problems.
Male (16): Have your priorities set first! Your education, your career, and an income.