Okay, so, today I wanna talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately – the purpose of marriage. I’ve been doing some digging and some serious soul-searching, and I figured I’d share my little journey with you guys.
It all started a few weeks ago. I was scrolling through social media, you know how it is, and I saw all these wedding photos. Beautiful pictures, happy couples, the whole nine yards. But it got me thinking, “What’s the actual point of all this?” I mean, beyond the big party and the pretty dress, why do people even get married anymore?
So, I started by doing what any curious person would do – I googled it. I read a bunch of articles, some saying marriage is about love and commitment, others saying it’s about creating a stable home for kids. There were also some saying it offers financial advantages and legal protections. Then there were a few that were like, “Who needs marriage anymore?” It was a total mixed bag, and honestly, it just left me more confused.
After that, I decided to take a step back from the internet and look at my own life. I’m not married, but I started thinking about all the married couples I know. My parents, my friends, my coworkers – what did marriage mean to them? I started having some pretty deep conversations, asking them why they decided to tie the knot, what they felt the purpose of their marriage was. Their answers were varied but gave me a lot to consider.
My next step was to reflect on my own beliefs and desires. What did I think about marriage? Did I even want to get married? If so, why? I spent a lot of time just thinking, journaling, and trying to figure out my own feelings on the subject. It was a bit of a messy process, to be honest, but it was super important. I started to realize that my views on marriage were pretty jumbled up with societal expectations, my own personal history, and just general confusion. It was hard to disentangle them all, to figure out what was truly me and what was not.
Then I started reading some books. Not just about marriage, but about relationships, personal growth, and the history of marriage as an institution. I wanted to understand how marriage has evolved over time and how different cultures view it. It was pretty fascinating stuff, let me tell you. I learned that the concept of marriage has changed a lot throughout history, and it’s not this one-size-fits-all thing like I thought it was.
I also tried reaching out to a therapist. I figured, why not get a professional’s perspective on this? It was actually super helpful. We talked about my own experiences, my fears, my hopes, and my dreams for the future. It helped me see things in a new light and clarify my own values and priorities. And the therapist was online, so that was super convenient.
So, after all this digging, thinking, and talking, what have I concluded? Well, it’s still a work in progress, to be honest. But I realized that the purpose of marriage is not some universal truth etched in stone. It’s personal. It’s about what you and your partner want and need. It’s about building a life together, supporting each other, and growing as individuals and as a couple. For some, it might be about starting a family. For others, it might be about companionship and shared adventures. And for some, it might not be necessary at all. But it seems to still be a way to express love and commitment to another person.
Here’s what I think the key takeaways are:
- Marriage is a personal choice, not a societal obligation.
- The purpose of marriage is defined by the individuals involved, not by external expectations.
- Marriage can be a framework for building a life together, but it’s not the only way to have a fulfilling relationship.
- Communication and shared values are crucial for a successful marriage.
This whole journey has been eye-opening for me. It’s made me question a lot of my assumptions and helped me understand myself and my own desires better. I’m still not sure if marriage is in my future, but I feel a lot more informed and empowered to make that decision when the time comes. And that’s really what it’s all about, right? Making conscious choices that align with your own values and goals. And I hope my sharing can help others do the same.
