What does marriage mean to you?

IMO, I really never held marriage in high esteem. I won't go into what I think it is not, because most people feel that that is what it is.

The only reason I asked my girl to marry me 23 years ago is because we enjoyed the atmosphere and conversation that we shared. The I love you till the end of time never existed. We both told each other that the door is always open and we both said if you want to get something strange once in a while it is fine but use protection and always always take a video.

We are still going strong.

 

Given that I was raised in a faith-based household, marriage was a life long COMMITMENT. No judgement at all to today's society that makes marriage a little bit of a looser term, but I personally think of marriage as something much more intimate and serious. This is a financial, spiritual, sexual, emotional, physical commitment that I am making to my significant other. A life long journey that we are making the decision to do together until our hair is grey and our skin is saggy. It seems as though our ideas of marriage are much different, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we both can't have successful marriages. You know? I'd like to think that the function of our faith in my marriage would encourage fairness and being treated well on both sides. I guess I could also add that sex is not a deciding factor in the relationship, but a huge bonus. My partner and I have made a point to wait only because we know that our anticipation and attraction are just going to be a plus to our already awesome interactions. As cheesy and cliché as it is, marriage to me is living with your closest friend. Waking up daily next to someone and making the mental and emotional decision to love them despite anything. Obviously there are adverse acceptations, but even if it is in a form of forgiveness, or over a phone. You are making the decision to love that person every day for the rest of your life.

 

Marriage means having the one person in your life who seeks your happiness at least as equally as their own.
It is pretty much that simple. And why most marriages fail. Simply because one or both won't stop putting themselves before their partner.

 

I found the best friend I ever had. I still have that friend, a true friend, who doesn't judge me for what I am about. She accepts all my faults and celebrates my success with me. She also consoles me in failure. We are constantly cheering each other on. Wanting to provide for this special person so many years ago the only option for this was marriage. I couldn't cover her with medical, dental, life, benefits unless we were married. We were together constantly having sex at least daily if not multiple time each day. Did everything together and were the best of friends. We still are. Why wouldn't you want to give your best friend all the benefits of your success and by law marriage does that. For those reasons we married and have remained so for over 40 years. But you have to understand - marriage is the chief reason for divorce.

 

We started dating at 15 and at some point realized that we wanted to spend our lives together. Although she dated others in college, she was committed to me and we married at 22. Marriage for us is a total commitment to each other, but it allows each person to be free to be themselves. I don't control her, and she doesn't control me. It has worked well for more than 40 years of marriage.

 

Perfect. That's like my marriage. My wife is a rebel and when someone tells me I should tell my wife to do this or that I tell then She has a mind of her own, I do not own her. They look at me stunned kike WTF.

 

Yes, that concept of "ownership" which is related to the ideas of "Molding" is a basis for both your own and your SO unhappiness

 

I think is biblical based. We are both allergic to it.

 

The only reason I choose to get married was I wanted my kids and I to have the same last name.. otherwise it's just a piece of paper to me.
I know thats probably a shitty way to see it, but it doesn't keep me from doing anything that is the choice I make each day.

 

In general I think every couple is different. As long as the two people involved are on the same page they can have a successful marriage.

In my marriage I do feel that strong "I'll love you forever" thing and my husband and I are exclusive. We only have sex with each other. Our sex life has totally blossomed over the years and we're very open and honest about not just sex but all things. So for us, we are only involved with each other and have had a lot of fun together. I hope that continues and as of now I don't see a reason for it not to. I know it's cliche or whatever but keeping those lines of communication open is so important - at least for us.

 

What marriage means to me today isn't the same thing it meant when I was young and naive. I've been single for 15 years now and can't think of any reason to date a woman, much less marry one. I must add, however, if one finds a mythical unicorn that hasn't been perverted by western humanist or feminist blatherings, it may well be worth it. I'm no longer able to think of anything I can do with a woman that I can't do without one. Not bitter, mind you.... just no longer delusional.

 

I know I could hang out with you.

 

Marriage means commitment, trust, and understanding. Life experiences shared never spared. I look forward to my next time around.

 

Marriage means absolutely nothing to me nowadays.

 

At this point, it's an unrealistic fantasy that will never happen for me.

 

Marriage is a lifetime commitment that has gone horribly wrong, twice. My present marriage is like a dark tunnel leading to a dead-end. She and I just live in the same house. The emotional connection is more like a sister who is rather annoying but I have to put up with it, and busy myself with what makes me happy.

 

If you're married, get a dog.
That way somebody in the house is always glad to see you when you get home.