get married. now!

You eye young married couples with an arsenal of silent insults, criticism that usually involves words like "needy," "naive" and "destined for divorce."

This controversial Washington Post column says you could be wrong.

In the piece, which has already made waves on the blogosphere, a sociology professor states the economic, biological and emotional case for marrying early -- say, in the 18-22 range.

A key part of his argument: "Marriage actually works best as a formative institution, not an institution you enter once you think you're fully formed. We learn marriage, just as we learn language, and to the teachable, some lessons just come easier earlier in life."

Does going through young adulthood together give a couple a special bond, or an added hurdle?