Marriage, as an idea
08/22/2014 02:57 a.m.


Please, forgive me while I still believe in the sanctity of what our world refers to as “being married”. I understand that point of view, that “the piece of paper” isn't what makes or breaks the success of a relationship, “...the people are.” I agree with that . But what “getting married” does accomplish is the sharing of a common last name that translates to the real world in signatures and other subtle statements about the relationship; a public declaration to the world that an invitation has been issued to become a family, and the invitation has been accepted by both parties, on paper and for the public record. I may be wrong, but I still see integrity in that sort of progression of a relationship, and that is the value I see in being married, not simply having “the paper” as some sort of “proof” that a person wishes to be committed. Maybe, for the partner who doesn't change their name it won't mean much. But overall, to share a last name becomes a thing of honor, and to be able to wear those rings and sign the same last name - to me those are important and public symbols about one's status in a family.

I am currently: in an emotional debate about the value vs. no value of "that piece of paper"
Listening to: my inner self.