3 ms·

I used to parrot about marriage - "license and registration are for cars." But, getting married (after 7yrs with SO) had 2 powerful effects: 1. The power of s

I used to parrot about marriage - "license and registration are for cars." But, getting married (after 7yrs with SO) had 2 powerful effects: 1. The power of social contract as a signal to family, friends, society etc is huge. It's also really nice to celebrate with loved ones. There's not enough ceremony in our lives as it is... 2. The power of agreement with SO had an immensely positive impact on our relationship. Words have power, agreements have even more so. Just choose carefully and intentionally the agreement that you're entering with your partner.

stanski 7y ago
I had a similar experience though a lot more recently. My SO had to almost drag me through the altar - I didn't care much either way but didn't want to jump through the various hoops (especially the financial ones) to get it done. I can't say it has affected our everyday life in any way but it is an experience that you end up sharing forever and becomes a part of your relationship. That said I'm lucky that we both wanted a small ceremony. I may not have fared as well if we were dropping tens of thousands of dollars and spending months planning a wedding. That'd be a whole different animal.
- alanfranz 7y ago
  > sharing forever Which is not necessarily good. If your marriage fails, it's 'regretting forever'.
michaelgrafl 7y ago
In general I still feel a bit uneasy with the way the signing of a pretty substantial contract between to people entering an official partnership is given a sentimental air to make it seem less rational, but this was my experience as well. I'm not saying you have to get married to make a relationship feel serious and long-term-ish, but it certainly enforces that feeling.