Do you believe in marriage?

I have s good friend (He was my best man,) who has three beautiful children, a nice house, good career and a very nice woman who is the mother. They've been together since they were teens (almost thirty now) and they're going strong as ever (Gotta see posts of her calling him her king, all the time. XD). I mean, they're getting married in a few more years, bit originally they weren't planning on it. Point is, a binding legal contract doesn't make love any more or less legit, it's the integrity of the people involved.

Marriage is to show the world you're serious? How do you think people stayed together before the invention of marriage? Its a social construct. Sure, I've chosen to partake, but I will not put the ceremony on a higher pedestal than need be. Again, announce your commitment to the world and it means nothing(Aside from a "romantic" gesture), keep it for the one you've chosen to live out your life with and it means everything, witnesses or not. In other words, committing ones life to another does not require a ceremony or legal contracts and it didn't for thousands upon thousands of years.

All very good points. And I guess that's the heart of the question. What's important I suppose is what marriage means to the people getting married. As Yasshat said, "it's the integrity of the people involved." Marriage, to people who see it as just an institution, means nothing. It's just a legal contract. And a burden if things don't work out. But to those who see it as a vow of commitment to each other. As a show of trust and intentions. Then it has all the weight and meaning that they wish to give it. But life doesn't always work out the way we wish it would. Even with the best of intentions starting out.

^This as well. Well said Wesley. My contention, if anything, with the institution is the insinuation that my relationships are somehow lower or to be taken less seriously than those with the rock on their finger. Plain and simple, its about both people's concerns in the relationship. Both matter. And to some marriage just isnt a priority as you've said. Some dont need it.

I just like the symbolism and for me, the feeling of finality. I'm a foolish romantic and meant exactly what I told my wife in my vowes. I do like the public display and confession, but again, that's just me.

I think it's definitely something that should be discussed with your partner before too long. Whether you or the other believes in marriage or not, it should be made clear so you're both on the same page. If one person wishes to marry but the other doesn't, it could lead to friction if either side tries to tip the scales. If you want to get married, cool. If you don't want to get married, cool. But please, don't just sit there and expect your partner to play ball if have different futures for your relationship.

Oh yeah I never did add my answer. Yes, I do believe in marriage and I would like to get married someday. Short and sweet.