Does remaining life partners make more sense than marriage?

Question

Does remaining in a committed relationship let the couple define their relationship how they want it and realize everyday that you're there because you WANT to be there rather than because a piece of paper (a marriage license) says so.

Or is marriage sacred and is the ultimate expression of love between two people?

This isn't about deep commitment phobia but people who have chosen to remain life partners rather than actually doing the aisle walk....

Answer 1

By far more sense. When the door is open to walk out of at any time, both people in the relationship tend to behave better, do better in treatment of the other, in hopes that they will stay one more day. Marriage, to some, seems to imply a sense of ownership, and with ownership, loss of identity always happens...the root of many evils. Get rid of this outmoded institution...children are protected in any case.

Answer 2

I think that it depends on the situation, the beliefs attached to religion and the heart of the people involved.

I have a friend that they are "life partners" she and her man wear rings, and they call each other husband and wife--but they will not marry, because of each of them has a past that would be affected. He has children from a previous marriage, and so does she...not uncommon, however he pays a substantial amount of child support, and she will not pay for his other children when she has her own children to support, she makes more money than him, and has a nest egg, that the courts would jump on, BECAUSE if they were married, everything is community property in most states. It makes perfect sense to me. She doesn't receive child support from her children's father, and she isn't going to pay for someone elses kids, when she isn't even getting help with her own!!

I think that it just depends on the circumstances, the beliefs and what not. I don't think that there is anything wrong with not being married, or being married. It depends on the people etc. It matters what is in the heart and soul of the relationship, the piece of paper could burn up in a fire!!!As long as there is love--that is all that should matter!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Yes and no, marriage is the ultimate commitment, and not to mention that if something happens to your spouse (heaven forbid) there are somethings you would not be entitled to because you weren't married. On the other hand staying in a committed relationship is saying that's where you want to be with out the piece of paper, and it would be easier to part ways if the relationship goes bad, you don't have to file for divorce. It's totally up to you, and how secure you are with your current situation, Good Luck.

Answer 4

This is a very personal decision. I don't think there is a right answer to this question. Having a deep commitment is necessary if you want to stay together regardless if you are married or not. I know couples that have been together for decades without a marriage license and married couples that split within a year or two. Marriage is not a guarantee. Stick to your guns.

Answer 5

not to be too rude, but why the hell would anyone want to get into a marrage that wouldnt want be there? if someone is married just because the peice of paper says theyre married, id be concerned.

marrage as a much more permanant relationship. its not just living in someone elses apartment, and one can leave whenever/why ever. it is a commitment, "not to be entered into lightly".

there is a reason for the "forsaking all others…to love, honor, and cherish all the days of your life…for better or for worst…for rich or for poor…insickness or in health…until death do you part?"

also include the tax brakes, and insurances going down, it also makes cents [sic] to get married. not to mention if your significant other dies tommorow, where does his stuff go? to his family, kids, or the live-in-girlfriend? quite complicated.

so unless your planning on leaving sometime soon (and im not saying you are), why not get married?

either way, the best of luck to you two.

Answer 6

Make more sense? I don't think so, but that's because I don't think people stay in a marriage "because a piece of paper says so". That's an awfully big and unfounded generalization to make. I also don't think that it's any easier to get out of a common law relationship than it is a marriage. There will still be bitterness, hurt, assets to divide, custody and child support to negotiate (if children are involved). And for me, marriage made our relationship stronger. He is my husband now, not just my live in boyfriend. We now share the same name and the same family. Marriage made us a stronger couple AND stronger as individuals, and it's not something that I can really explain - you just have to experience it. I didn't really believe it in before, either. But I sure get it now.

Answer 7

to be honest, the benefits of marriage are things like insurance, tax credit, legitimacy of children etc. i mean if you are committed to each other, you'll stay .....paper or no paper. marriage is a fantasy because once you do it, it implies "forever". since none of us have the power to see into the future except sister cleo), i think being committed day to day (not legally binding) is more realistic, healthy, and practical for both parties.

commitment is sacred. marriage is a possessive, anxiety-fueled codependent prison sentence. the true act of unconditional love is not getting married. if you really love someone and want to be with them, marriage shouldn't be a requirement.

Answer 8

Its just a piece of paper and there's nothing sacred about it since you can divorce whenever you want.

If you sign a contract just to get the extra $$$ benefits and then realize in a years time your feelings have changed, you haven't gained any monetary benefits at all, in fact you will have lost a great deal, divorce is very expensive.

I have known people who dated for 10 years, got married and were divorced within 2 years.

So its not a stupid question.

The real stupidity is that married people get extra priviledges or rewards in the first place, especially since marriage doesn't work- Most end, that's a fact.

Answer 9

I feel that a committed life partner is by FAR BETTER than any marriage...after marriage people quit trying and let themselves go....when only committed without that piece of paper -- in my opinion--tis by far a much better relationship.,

single--by choice

Answer 10

It's all about personal preference. To some people, marriage is a mandatory thing to be in a committed relationship. To others, it's merely one of many methods one can express their commitment. There is no general rule here.