Contrary to my usual voice. I have only two things to say on this question..The institution of marriage should
be available to whoever wants it.. And the reverse should also be available to others who dont want it...Both
ways should be the individuals own choice. With no recriminations, or disdain by others.. Certainly not the law.
Yes I have been married for over 50 years. Yes I think it has its advantages for raising children..But that is
a two sided sword also..It totally depends on the marriage.. The fact of being married, gives you a certain amount
of stability and it provides you a helpmeet..Having said that..it also can be a problem for people trying to explore
themself..There is a certain amount of stifeling goes on..It all depends on what you place the most value on..
Your independance, or your partnership...?
Well said. In other threads, I've been complaining about the differences between me and my sister, and I think one of the major issues between us is that my sister has never been alone in her life. She went straight from home to college, college roommates, then boyfriend, lliving with said boyfriend, then fiance, then husband and after the divorce her child. She has never been alone and as such, depends heavily on the resources in the relationships she defines as partnerships or other familial relationships.
I moved out of the home while still in college and have lived alone for the entire time, except for 1.5 years when I did live with a boyfriend or roommates.
The same sharing and availability that she knew in marriage she expects from me.
On a recent trip, at night, I wanted to wind down in peace and quiet and read. She wanted to watch TV and talk.
I consider her expectations presumptous, annoying and selfish.
e.g. she recently changed jobs. Lot more money, but she lost the company car and laptop. She immediately expected me to open my home to her whenever she needs to use a computer now.
I expect her to use her extra money to buy her own as I don't want to see her as often as she needs to use my computer.