What does marriage mean to you / you and your spouse?

Question

I know a lot of people believe it’s just a piece of paper and others believe it’s a vow to a higher power, etc. What do you believe marriage means ?

Answer

Well I don’t really think I can speak for other marriages. But for us, marriage means a promise. It’s our vows to one another. It’s the fact that we took that extra step to be recognized as a union.

Answer

commitment. a promise. trust. partnership.companionship.

Answer

I’m not married yet, but to my SO and I marriage is a huge deal. It’s not just a piece of paper at all. My SO is more agnostic than religious, but I’m very religious so I really believe is a vow (which means more than your typical promise in my opinion) before God, your friends and family to love, protect, support and encourage this one person until death do you part. It’s a massive commitment. For me, there’s no divorce so you’re committing to forever no matter what. It means you love someone enough to vow in front of everyone that you will do these things and will do your very best to never let them down. For us, it’s the ultimate declaration of love.  
My SO believes the same, but he questions the God part. We take marriage very seriously and are waiting until we’re 100% certain that we’re able to make those vows before getting married. I’ll never understand how some people just see it as a piece of paper, but to each their own.

Answer

I believe marriage is a special commitment between 2 people. Though I also believe people nowadays have ruined the image of what marriage should be and it's not valued as much anymore. now a days you have people marrying each other, while not really knowing each other. divorce rates are high, I think that scares younger people. Though for the couples who live together, pay bills together, have kids if they choose, and been together for a long time, marriage literally will only be a piece of paper for them because they already live the lifestyle. I think people should get married if they love each other, though I think marriage needs to be taken seriously. marriage isn't a goal much anymore because I honestly believe people don't fight for their marriage. so many people are too proud to seek help for communication issues, or to see what issues are to fix them. then again it isn't my life so if people don't get married it's their life not mine. for me I'm glad I chose marriage. for me it completed the whole package, like i share everything with him, to me it's special that I took his last name