What is Marriage?

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And yes, that's a serious question because in all honesty I have no clue. Just what exactly is a marriage?Now, I do not mean what the meaning of marriage is, or the religious aspect of marriage, or what a marriage should be. What I am asking is what is it legally (by U.S. law). As far as I know, it's just a piece of paper that tells the government these two people are a union. But how does that marriage licence affect their lives?I'm probably asking a long list of things, but I want to learn more about it. It got me wondering if two people love each other enough to spend their lives together, then why is getting a licence necessary? I don't want to devalue the idea of marriage but I can't help but think about the high divorce rate, making it seem that getting married is a horrible mistake.So, all you married people out there, please help me learn!

It's a good question, because in the Middle Ages living together was taken as meaning you were married, whether you went through the ceremony or not. Nowadays, however, living together is seen by most people as a less binding and less permanent state than being officially married.Depending on the country, state and particular government department, some government offices and some courts treat couples living together the same as if they are married, and some don't.

It's a ticking time bomb.No I'm only kidding. Its a holy matrimony that justifies coitus for reproductive purposes.

I'd imagine it has a lot to do with societal traditions, family pressures/tradition and that kind of thing, and people thinking that theyre not really 'truly connected' unless theyre "married". Also, insurance and taxes and stuff like that might factor into it when people decide to marry, but that's probably more in the minds of older people who marry.

There are an enormous number of legal obligations and responsiblities as well as certain legal rights entailed by marriage. For a few examples: joint obligation on debts, differences in income taxe rates, the ability to collect certain kinds of survivor benefits under social security, and to collect social security under a spouses benefits if they are higher than your own in certain cases, being able to gain coverage under a spouse's health insurance plan, having a right to make medical decisions for an incapacitated spouse, automatic, predefined inheritance rights in cases where there is no will, etc., etc. etc.I'm not an expert in this area, but I'm sure nonetheless that this is only a very partial list. I would bet there are dozens of other examples of legal issues relating to marriage that I haven't thought of.

Whoot, thanks for your replies! :smile: But Thoughtful touched the ground that I was looking for.

As all of you know, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. So, I just wanted to know if I were to get married, what exactly am I signing up for. Although, it sounds complicated, lol.

"...joint obligation on debts..."This one isn't always true. Most of the time and for most of people it is, but not always. Check with your attorney before you make that first payment on your spouses card, or any debt you didn't sign your name to, after they die.Marriage moreover just gives next of kin rights to a different person than may otherwise have 'em.I was going to add something else but I can't remember... thinking about to much shit.

In my situation with ari, we don't do any of the legal bits, because... well, for one, we're not even legally married (we had a ceremony and all, but we didn't want to make it with like a license. Plus it was in israel, so i dunno if that even counts here). But, if we ever did go down to the court house, we would keep things how they are. Individual taxes, no joint accounts, and individual purchases. He bought me a car, but it was clear it was a gift.That way, g-d forbid something happened, and we had to split up, it wouldn't be legally messy.

"Plus it was in israel, so i dunno if that even counts here)."It does, if it was recognized as a legal marriage back there. If it wasn't recognized back there it won't be here.

Nobody gets married anymore and if they do they divorce.I hope this doesn't happen to my sister. But she looks pretty drunk on love with her Aussie so I'm sure she'll be fine.fingers crossed

Thanks for sharing you guys! And here's hoping for your sister, Abi! crosses fingers

Thanks babezz

darlin. Bad. I'm not gettin divorced -_- Actually, i love him more, and have a better sex life with him now, then we did before.

Originally Posted By: Virtual_StarAnd yes, that's a serious question because in all honesty I have no clue. Just what exactly is a marriage?Now, I do not mean what the meaning of marriage is, or the religious aspect of marriage, or what a marriage should be. What I am asking is what is it legally (by U.S. law). As far as I know, it's just a piece of paper that tells the government these two people are a union. But how does that marriage licence affect their lives?I'm probably asking a long list of things, but I want to learn more about it. It got me wondering if two people love each other enough to spend their lives together, then why is getting a licence necessary? I don't want to devalue the idea of marriage but I can't help but think about the high divorce rate, making it seem that getting married is a horrible mistake.So, all you married people out there, please help me learn! I have been married for 16 years. Actually, going on 17Marriage for me is a union between two people. Historically between a woman and a men to be exact? Many people these days will argue this concept. A marriage now a day can be between a man to a man, and a woman to a woman or just two consenting adultsWhen two people take this pledge to be united, they are committing themselves to each other first. Couples used to be stuck with their vows through sickness and health, through rich and poor, through happiness and sorrows. Yes, it is a beautiful vow when it is honored to the end. but outdated and not functional.Marriage also means forsaken all others, especially if you have a cheating heart. Having affairs while being married will definitely ruin your commitment with your spouse, since marriage is a sacred rite. If you respect your partner's feelings, then your partner will return the same kindness.Marriage is devotion. Devotion sometimes means hard work. It is not easy to live with some body sharing the same space, putting up with the most annoying habits of your partner. Therefore, it takes devotion to make it work. It takes giving, understanding, humor, consideration, and trust to pull it through. You have to devote your best being to your spouse, as well as yours spouse to you.Marriage needs compassion, communication, and understanding. It is a lot to ask, but if you are going into this commitment, these are essentials to a successful marriage. Lacking compassion will loose the closeness with your partner. Lacking communication will shut down your ability to relate to issues that important to your life. Misunderstanding will lead to resentments, and arguments.Other important things include money, religion, having the same goals, and wanting the same thing such as children. If you are ready to take this leap, good luck to you. Make sure you know that marriage is a 50/50 merger.I hope this helps.

good. you better not get divorced! lola better sex life? that's not hard to believe lol "honey, I'm hom--" animal planet begins now

Lovely input, thanks for sharing.

its weird, we see so little of eachother that when we do we cant be more then 6 feet from each other

Absence Makes the Dick Grow Bigger