Marriage: What is the point?

[_just me]

I would like to hear what people believe is the point or purpose of marriage and why.

For this discussion marriage is defined as the legal contract of marriage for religious and secular purposes. I would like discussion to focus on the benefits and negatives of marriage itself, including what people expect of their contracted partner.

[_just me]

I feel that the three main points of marriage are:

1) Religious validation of a sexual relationship
2) Public announcement of commitment
3) Tax and insurance benefits

[_Baker]

1 - setting the couple apart from the world as a committed unit
2 - commitment to be devoted to each other to the exclusion of all others
3 - in most cases, forming the basis of a familial unit with parents and children

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

Sex & the right to be nagged at for the rest of your life barring divorce.

[_Some Schmo]

It basically lets the authorities know who gets whose crap when someone dies, and who can be in the room at the hospital.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

1 - setting the couple apart from the world as a committed unit
2 - commitment to be devoted to each other to the exclusion of all others
3 - in most cases, forming the basis of a familial unit with parents and children

Yeah, but it is a failed institution. Reality doesn't conform to your list. So what's the point of marriage? It doesn't work well in most cases.

[_stemelbow]

The purpose of marriage to me is to learn how to develop deep, abiding and intimate love for others.

[_just me]

What do people go in to marriage expecting form their partner?

Lots of dumb stuff and lots of realistic stuff. I think this is where my biggest problem with marriage is right now. Expectations are often not realized which leaves people angry and bitter. I almost feel like people stop trying once they have passed the honeymoon phase. That may happen regardless of legal status, but at least if you aren't married you don't have to face all the negative consequences when you break up.

I do not like how so many relationships become that of "you do x for me and I will do y for you." Expecially when x or y is sex. I struggle to see how that is any different than prostitution.
There are a bunch of other expectations that I hate, too. Especially the unspoken ones based on gender. I hate that we say a man "helps" the woman with the housework or childraising. Why isn't it seen as him just doing his part in the household and parenting?

Today my ideal marriage would be:

*A partnership of equals
*We would hold things in common (ie, share money and property)
*Someone who likes me for me and allows me to express myself
*Lots of sexual chemistry/attraction

All which can be done without a marriage.

[_zeezrom]

Just me,

Reading between the lines... Are you planning on getting a tattoo?

Back Old Testament:
To me, the point is to raise kids in a stable environment.

[Guest]

Just me,

Reading between the lines... Are you planning on getting a tattoo?

LOL

No. I hate needles.

Back Old Testament:
To me, the point is to raise kids in a stable environment.

Which can be done without the marriage contract. Lots of people do it.