just a worn out act that opens up your life to government involvement. Now if you and the other party have children, this is probably a must, there are some deadbeat people out there, but I mean for people like me that have no kids. Wouldn't it just make more sense to take what you came into the marriage with and split everything else 50/50?

Since New Mexico is one of the few community property states and my ex and I agreed on who should get what, I came out rather unscathed considering some of the horror stories I've heard.

Back to my original thought, do you think marriage is just an outdated practice?

i think so, oversaturated by religion and government

No I don't. Despite one failed marriage I still believe in that institution. I think that with most other man-made institutions like politics and religion, that the problem is actually with people.

I mean the heart and soul of marriage is two people making a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together come hell or high-water. Yes I totally believe in that.

Jaded much?

Marriage should be against the law

since I'm atheist and she was christian, I tried to keep religion out of it, but I was someone that she was constantly trying to "save", from what I have no idea.....lol

Im not married the ring is on my right hand!!

Nope, I very much believe in marriage. Legally, it can be a good idea. If something happens to your partner, legally you have very few rights to anything acquired during the relationship or rights to make any kind of decision. If you don't have a good relationship with their family, they can make things very difficult. Tax-wise, too, marriage can be a wise decision.

Emotionally, it's making a very public declaration of your commitment to your partner. But, I believe you can have that commitment without the piece of paper.

I may want to get married again someday but right now in my life, I don't feel the need for it.

lol....I am far from jaded tall one, just speaking my thoughts......lol This is a forum right?

It's just a contract. Doesn't seem very romantic or something I aspire to again.

And I might add abused, defiled, perverted, and media and our famous actors also are destroying it with their shoddy examples of family life and poor personal skills maintaining relationships. The sense of commitment has been damaged badly!

It also has been rammed down our throats too much and we are rushed into it way too soon most of the time!

Also some of us do stupid things.

Thankfully I have avoided marriage so far!

True! oh but I might be labeled again for saying that..oooppppssss

I'm kinda between you and this guy. I believe people can happily spend a lifetime together without being officially married.

But then I believe there are some cases in which marriage laws do have to step in and keep some money grubbing beeyatch (male or female) from taking half the posessions of some rich person they suckered into a bad marriage.

And I believe in most cases it's better for children if they can say their parents are married. And I do one day want a woman I can actually call my wife.

Yes. Having been married, I now regard it as completely unnecessary and far more trouble than it's worth.

not to mention medical rights in case of serious illness or even death. what then? your left out in the cold. So I agree with her on this.

well said and added

I can't wait to find the person I want to marry! I am not embittered or jaded by the idea of commitment.

I realize many people say it's 'only a piece of paper'; however, by not getting married -- to the right person -- it displays a lack of permanence. There is no stability or sanctity. Playing 'house' with someone is about the lamest ritual I can think of .... not really but it serves my purpose for now.

I don't care what soceity says; I am not a breeder so my idea of marriage is not to settle down and raise a family; I am not a slave to the pressures of religion, and I hope I don't fall for someone who allows those thoughts into his head as a reason NOT to get married. I think it's immature when someone thinks they need to avoid marriage because of society, et al. That is actually a chickensh*t attitude. If you meet the right person why resist for a flimsy reason?

I am a hopeless and hopeful romantic. I could never be with someone that doesn't feel the same.

Melody

Don't think it's an outdated practice, just not given the importance it once had.

yet

Hmm, sorry but I really don't allow negativity to cloud my expectations. I don't sabotage my success with mental blocks.

Melody