Mantus

ARTelevision,

Since our society is based on laws it would be difficult for the government to judge each couple on a case-by-case basis. Marriage insures that the matters of support, inheritance and the division of property upon separation is keep relatively easy…though this doesn’t quite seem to work…

I would love to see your vision of relationships becomes a socially accepted standard yet I just don’t think it’s possible because of the standard thorn in humanities side: greed.



Tibery,

It’s a mutual commitment. It would only be selfish is one partner is force into it. In the example you mentioned the wife stays at home and runs the family while husband provides financial support. There is nothing unfair about it.

Which brings me to the concept of mutual support. It should be a no brainier that two people working together get things done better then one. A relationship and most importantly a family are a complicated matter to run. It is also provides a safety line to cope with unexpected grievances such as ill health.

Once again, this is far from selfish. The agreement is mutual. The partners agree to commit to each other. Such bonds are important for a cohesive family. Of course the ceremony of marriage is actually not required to develop such a bond, but it helps to keep the slightly shaky relationships from falling apart, which is important.

You are absolutely correct.