I think the problem is the whole "til death do us part" line. I saw a stand-up comedian the other night who compared marriage to a mobile phone contract. You know, as soon as you buy that new shiny phone, there'll immediately be a newer, shinier model available! At least with a mobile phone contract, you get to choose a new one in 2 years.
I'm the wrong person to comment on this as I've been in a relationship for 16 years now with no marriage in sight. We're happy, we're committed, we require no symbolic ceremony in order to stay happy and committed.
personally, I think that the public perception of marriage is finally swinging around to the reality that over 50% of marriages in western society fail (that's the term used by those that are married, I'd prefer something simpler like "end"), and in a time frame shorter than the relationship I'm currently in.
I'm the wrong person to comment on this as I've been in a relationship for 16 years now with no marriage in sight. We're happy, we're committed, we require no symbolic ceremony in order to stay happy and committed.
personally, I think that the public perception of marriage is finally swinging around to the reality that over 50% of marriages in western society fail (that's the term used by those that are married, I'd prefer something simpler like "end"), and in a time frame shorter than the relationship I'm currently in.