Marriage – what's the point?
I was listening to my favorite radio station this morning on my way to work and they had a listener who called in with what I feel was a great question. She’s been with her boyfriend for 5 years and is beginning to feel a lot of pressure from her mother to get married. The problem? She doesn’t want to get married. She feels like she has everything she needs & wants right now and would rather not have to worry about getting divorced. So the DJs got to talking and trying to figure out the advantages to being married. There’s the obvious legal factors such as life insurance, health insurance etc. But what are the emotional benefits to getting married? That’s a great question.
I’ve been married. I did it because it was the next logical step in my 7+ year relationship. I did it because I had always dreamed of being that beautiful bride walking down the aisle and smooshing cake in my groom’s face (there was no smooshing actually – I wish now there was though!). I did it because it’s where my life was meant to take me. I did it without reservations. I did it without fear of divorce. I did it without even considering the legal & financial benefits.
So why do people get married? Is it because of tradition? This is totally taking over my mind right now! I will say, I want to get married again. I have no fears about divorce even though it’s happened to me before. In fact, I have no doubts about marrying FF. I would do it tomorrow (hell, I’d have done it yesterday if he would have asked!). And not just because I want another wedding but because I want God & the world to know I give myself completely to this man. I give myself to him knowing I can trust him and that together we feel as if we can take on the world. I give myself to him because I am committed to loving him forever. Through the good and the bad, the happy & the sad and all the millions of feelings in between. I know how much work a relationship AND a marriage take and I have ALWAYS been willing to put forth that effort. That is even more true now than ever as I have seen how that hard work pays off.
So, what advice would you give to that radio caller? What are the reasons for getting married? What are the reasons for just staying in a committed relationship that is not legally binding? What are the drawbacks to either of these things? There is no right or wrong answer, it’s a truth everyone must find for themselves. I’m just very curious to know your opinions 🙂 XO
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