what does marriage really mean?

Mates encourage good qualities in themselves and one another that strengthens their friendship. Each learns to compromise in taking care of responsibilies, which are usually divided between them. They also discuss things calmly and in a mature way. They're a team. This builds appreciation, intimacy, love, loyalty &trust. It creates a safe and protected environment where each mate feels validated. Monogamy is beneficial. So as you can see, it's not just about sex and passion. There's a lot of work to do so you can get there. You can be more tender & intimate with someone you respect & treasure. Many mates stay together thru old age & illness which is what we're supposed to do.

We encourage each other and support each other during the difficult times. A two fold cord cannot quickly be torn into two. And two people can keep each other warm and safe, verses one person alone.

So it's beneficial for two people to be joined together in marriage because of the benefits that accompanying it.

God made marriage.

Marriage is "supposed" to be the joining of 2 people to become "1" ... forever.

Marriage is supposed to be with one person forever - the rest of your life - in everything.

Some cultures have other reasons for marriage ... such as power, money, status, etc.

Some marriages are also for legal reasons only.

I suppose it depends what culture you are from that will determine what marriage really means.

In my culture ... it is for religious beliefs ... and love for each other.

A legal way for woman to tie a huge ball and chain to their husbands ankle and wear a chastity belt.

There are also the obvious (to many) legal reasons. Living together unmarried doesn't afford a couple the same rights as being married (look up legal benefits of marriage).

Otherwise, it's simply a preference. Some people prefer that extra level of commitment that marriage implies. So what if they do? People who don't want to marry, don't need to marry. It's fine either way.

Commitment, forgiveness, respect, loyalty,and trust ... Love is overrated ... Success is enjoying each-others company. I find most people are in love with the idea of being in love. Love is a byproduct of commitment etc. One can love a person but dislike their attitude or behavior. marriage is not a series of ultimatums or forcing one-another to change. One can only change themselves. A real marriage is full of boredom, forgiveness and and shattering of unrealistic dreams. Now having said that, a successful marriage is for the most part indescribable, words hardly pay homage to a life-mate that you would go to the ends of the earth for. All too often people are on their best behavior when they first meet and mistake campaign promises as the foundation. then as soon as the word love is used, it unfortunately becomes time to prove it over and over. The baggage we secretly bring onto the relationship will rear its ugly head in fairly short order. We've all been hurt and want guarantees. Honesty in the beginning with save the need for lawyers. I've been with my spouse 17 years and still find things that enhance our commitment because time brings changes naturally. Most of my divorced friends were dishonest about what would be acceptable or unacceptable right out of the gate and when their secret expectations came to the surface, ultimatums and demands were expressed. life is a dance we learn as we go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Expectations need to be expressed in the very beginning before the heart gets involved. when difficulties arise, do not demand immediate answers, sometimes a few days grace will resolve the issue on its own or at least take the heat out of the situation. Disneyland is a place we pay to go for a few days, its not reality. The world is a harsh place to be alone, a committed relationship makes burdens lighter and twice the happiness. I could go on and on but lets be real, most people want instant gratification and the thought of working things out is beyond comprehension because of external influences.

Marriage is worth it if you're willing to at least be honest with each other and see things through, its always darkest before the dawn, life's grinding is an opportunity to grow or run

If people actually read the application, a marriage license is to protect the children in case of divorce or catastrophe.

when one of u kicks the bucket another one won't need to pay lots of taxes for inheritance

It depends where you live and what the laws are. In most of Canada it does not make a difference. It might in the province of Quebec. It`s better to not marry if you don`t have to. It`s expensive and it`s a waste of money. I don`t know what the laws are in the USA.

Two people not related by blood become legally related.

If you think about it that is quite a statement to people.

It can also be a headache trying to get it dissolved, so it should be a very carefully weighed decision.