I was 26. I have read somewhere that the frontal lobe of your brain (the part responsible for decision making) isn't fully developed until around that age. I swear for me it was like turning on a light switch. I really got it. I think if I had met her any earlier, I would have screwed it up. Patience, courage and not being willing to just "settle" are the keys. Oh yeah and luck. Luck is freaking huge.