I dont think he ment actuall hens... I am 19 at the moment and have walked in on some of those "hen parties". If I correct it is when mothers (women in there 40's-50's would be a better example) just sit and have tea and talk about there kids and family... but by no means is this a bad thing. If they were completely serious about everything and did nothing but complain then they wouldnt even get married in the first place.
And to me marrage is something special with two people that says that they want to be with eachother for all life, marriage in itself is just a word to describe two people who want to be together on a higher level than just boyfriend girlfriend. Marriage would be more than just sex, its companionship (as stated above). And your list of things that make marriage worthwhile is the worst list I have ever read, you didnt mention a single emotional aspect; and that, when it all comes down to it, is pretty much what marriage is all about. (I am of course not married at this tender age, I am merely guessing and I hope I am somewhat close and didn't just make an ass of myself
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