Sophie Turner says her marriage to Joe Jonas won't be the greatest thing that will ever happen to her — here's why that sends an important message to young people

• "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner, 22, is engaged to singer Joe Jonas, 28. 
• She says being engaged is "lovely," but it's not the greatest thing that's ever happened.
• Turner says people misconstrue marriage to be a major achievement of their lives. 
• For her, certain career goals and projects make her feel that sense of accomplishment.
• This is a positive and inspiring message for people to hear from the young star. 
• Finding a drive and satisfaction outside of your romantic relationship is essential.

"Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner is sending a clear message about the priorities in her life and career, and it's an important lesson for her young fans. In a new cover feature for Marie Claire's "2018 Fresh Faces" issue, Turner spoke about her recent engagement to Joe Jonas.

"There's this weird misconception that being married is the greatest thing that'll ever happen to you," Turner said. "But I've always found that my career is something I work for, and when I achieve something, there's a sense that this is the greatest thing I'll do in my life."

Turner, 22, got engaged to Jonas, 28, in October of last year. While Turner says the engagement has been great, she also emphasized her career ambitions.

"It's lovely to be engaged," Turner said. "Not like I achieved anything, but I found my person, like I'd find a house that I love and want to stay in forever. There's a sense of peace that comes with finding your person. But there's a drive that comes with your career."

Turner's perspective on getting married sends a positive and inspiring message

Given Turner's prominence thanks to "Game of Thrones," she's speaking from very large platform to millions of fans of all ages. For her younger fan base, letting them know that marriage isn't the be-all-end-all of life is important.

Thanks to centuries of patriarchal and heteronormative messaging, many young people grow up believing that finding a partner is an essential goal that must be achieved (and often women feel pressured to do it by a younger age, too).

Turner's own iconic "Game of Thrones" character, Sansa Stark, is the embodiment of how raising young women to believe that their sole purpose is to be someone's wife can be detrimental. Though Sansa eventually learns otherwise, her young life is marked with tragedy as she realizes the lies she swallowed about "true love" and chivalry.

But Turner is speaking against this notion. Her marriage to Jonas won't mark the peak of her young life, nor will it mean a diminished emphasis on her career. 

She has a lifetime ahead of her to explore new projects — especially as "Game of Thrones" comes to an end next year. It's important for people of all ages, but particularly Turner's young fanbase, to see her taking pride in an achievement outside of finding love.

No one is denying the difference having a strong, loving partnership can make in your life. But finding a drive and satisfaction outside of your romantic relationship is also essential. Seeing Turner not only understanding this but sending that message out to the world is inspiring. 

For more on Turner and Jonas' love story, including a complete timeline of their relationship, follow INSIDER's coverage here.

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