Marriage: Important or not?

Do you think that marriage is important? I do... But now I don't know what to think...

I voted yes...

Marriage is very important. I suppose I should rephrase that Marriage itself is very important. Actually getting married is important as an individual decision, does that make sense?

What do you mean "is it important"? Do you mean "Is it something that everybody should do?" or do you mean "If you do it, you should take it seriously."? Because I think it's something, that if you do, you should DEFINITELY take seriously, but it's not something that's for everybody and if you don't do it, or you don't meet anybody you want to do it with, that doesn't matter, you can live a perfectly interesting and fulfilling life as a single person.

Maybe elaborate a little more on what this poll is about, Olivia?

I thought about my vote, and I voted "no" because it's not something I want for myself. I think it should be an available option to everyone, but it should be an OPTION and not a requirement.

So for me, individually, no it's not important. For others, maybe. For society as a whole? It's hard to say whether or not it's important because whole sections of society aren't allowed to do it, and half of the marriages that happen anyway end in divorce.

Originally Posted by Magill

Maybe elaborate a little more on what this poll is about, Olivia?

Should I? Many people nowadays do more divorce than marriage...

My marriage is important to me. Nothing to do with me if others decide to marry.

But I will say I think it is such a cool thing to do!

I personally don't want to get married as I don't want children and i'm not religious. I do like attending wedding ceremonies though as it's a nice reminder of people celebrating their love for one another.

Me and my boyfriend have the same views so i'm lucky in that respect. I don't think other people getting married is a bad thing, just not something for me for the reasons above. Plus we've decided if we're still together after 10 years (that's another 7 years to go!) we'll have a massive party for our family and friends to celebrate our happiness!

I dont feel it important, as it is meaningless nowadays...

It's important, kids want both parents.

Any committment is important to take seriously. People that are non-committal have no business trying their hand at marriage.

Hmmm....as someone who is recently divorced (the past month) and did not want divorce at all (he left for another woman and I had no choice in the matter), I am not sure what to think.

I totally know how Cyn Lennon felt....

In most countries, if not all, marriage has legal implications, regardless of the moral aspects. This affects couples both with and without children. If you're in a serious relationship you should review such laws, particularly if you or your partner own property, so you know what's at stake here.

I am not getting married that SOON!

Originally Posted by starstruck

I personally don't want to get married as I don't want children and i'm not religious.

Since when is a marriage strictly religious?

In France, you must have a civil ceremony before you have a religious one. I got married at the City Hall in my town, as do every single other person wanting to get married in France. It is the couple's choice whether or not they want to have a relgious ceremony. I for one am not religious, so I didn't bother having a second ceremony in a church.

Going back on topic...

I voted for yes. I believe that marriage is important, and should not be taken lightly. I do realize that it is not for everyone and I respect that. Living common law with someone, or even just staying single, to each their own.

Originally Posted by IWantToTellYou

Since when is a marriage strictly religious?

In France, you must have a civil ceremony before you have a religious one. I got married at the City Hall in my town, as do every single other person wanting to get married in France. It is the couple's choice whether or not they want to have a relgious ceremony. I for one am not religious, so I didn't bother having a second ceremony in a church.

Going back on topic...

Okay, in the UK most "traditional" ceremonies are carried out in Church whether the people partaking are religious or not! Then again if you're divorced you're not allowed to marry in church so I suppose that hinders a lot of couples plans of marrying in a traditional sense. I find that a little sad considering you may still hold your faith but you made a mistake with a previous relationship. I didn't say it was strictly religious, it just seems to be symbolic (again, in the traditional sense) that in the eyes of God you are joined in matromony for the rest of your life. As I am not religious if I were to get married it'd be to show my family I loved my boyfriend - and I can easily do that without spending thousands of pounds!

From a legal viewpoint as I stated earlier, I don't feel an obligation to marry as I don't want children. Now if I were planning to have kids i'd want to have the same surname as my children AND i'd also want the father to be able to take the kids to the doctors without prior consent from the mum!

So I think marriage IS a great thing, just not for me. Live and let live whatever the viewpoint! I'm not a non-commital person, i've just chosen not to opt for marriage.