Happy Atheist Forum

I am not asking this question to be facetious or to antagonize and I apologize if this post comes off like a rant, but I seriously don't understand why non-religious people get married.

My girlfriend and I have been together for 12 years. We are on our second house together. Neither of us has any interest in getting married.

I mean, isn't it just to sanctify a union under god? We are both atheists, so the act is meaningless. Just another means of control by the church or state, like baptism.

I checked with my lawyer and the only benefit of a marriage under the law is that if one spouse dies, the other is automatically assumed as the beneficiary of the estate. However, my will covers this already.

I just don't get it. If any married or planning to get married atheists out there care to share their reasons, I really want to know.  :?

As long as I'm married, my medical coverage through work covers my non-working wife.  This was a heck of a good reason!  The insurance will not cover non-spouses.

BTW, we were married by a retired judge in a chapel - no church required, and the reception was a great party.  Another good reason :wink:

Parties are fun.

I am covered by my girlfriends' benefits and she is also under mine. I don't know the law in the US, but in Canada, common-law relationships are treated as equal to married.

Well.. I'm very much in love with my boyfriend and we've promised to get married some day. We're both atheists. If we some day have children and we wouldn't be married, the father (in this case my boyfriend ) would have to sign a paper to prove that he actually is the father. In Finland it's like that. I don't know about other countries.

There are other legal problems, too. We have inheritance tax here in Finland. If I happened to die and I had a will, my boyfriend would have to pay this stupid tax. But if we were married he wouldn't have to pay (at least not that much. I don't know much it is...).

I'm not actually sure why I want to be married in the future. The wedding is surely not going to happen in a church. It's actually impossible because I'm not "a member" of the Finnish lutheran church anymore. The wedding isn't going to be religious in any way. (My brothers also got married in magistrate.)

Maybe it's just because many couples are married. Maybe I'd like to make our future more simple. Or maybe I'm a little princess even if I don't want to admit it. ^^

Thanks for your incredibly honest reply, maielle.

The whole tax thing is understandable and is also completely discriminatory. I guess the abolishment of it should be on the agenda for equal rights and privileges for atheists. I am not sure if such a tax exists in Canada. My lawyer certainly never mentioned it in my Q&A.

It makes sense from a legal standpoint. Taxes, visitation, etc., all the rights afforded to a spouse, are very important. Also, I get to meet a judge! Judges are cool.

Remember, marriage is only a sacred union if you're delusional. Just look at it as a pairing that can, if necessary, be abolished in the future. There's really no need to read religious meaning into it, and atheists can have ceremonies.

I'd have to agree that in the US at least, the legal and financial gains of being married would be a good reason.

When my wife and I were married, I was not an atheist. Now it's just cheaper to keep her.  :lol:

I'm not married but I plan to be someday. Besides that I think it's romantic, I think people take you more seriously. Also, when and if I have a baby, I want it to have the most stable home possible. I'm not delusional, I know that marriage isn't permanent, but it's a lot harder to walk away from a husband or wife than a boyfriend or girlfriend and having a baby isn't exactly easy on a relationship. I guess I would say that it's one way to organize society... kind of the same way that last names work.

Now, as for the actual wedding ceremony, I'm a bit confused. I'm sure not going into a church with a minister to say my wedding vows before god. ::puke I was thinking on the cliffs of a beach somewhere... but I don't know how the ceremony would work for athiests?

Galapagos! You can see finches evolve while you elope.

Word Bella.

Well not on the romantic part... I swear I swear!


The actually process of marriage will suck ass. Too much work...

There are both legal and social reasons why people may choose to get married (it doesn't have to be a religous ceremony, ours certainly wasn't).  I don't not feel that the idea of marriage is exclusively a religious one.

For me it was because I like the idea of marriage and what it represents about us as a couple (no one said the reason had to be completely rational).  There are also benefits related to taxes, medical rights (for instance, your spouse gets to decide to pull the plug or not instead of your parents), insurance, and things of that nature which didn't really have much of an influence on why I wanted to get married.

laetusatheos, I agree with you.  When I got married, I was a devout Christian.  When I deconverted, one of the main reasons it wigged out my husband was because we'd always viewed marriage in the Catholic way - a Sacramental union of a man and a woman in God.  Even now, when I type that, I imagine a sort of glowing, luminous cloud surrounding us.  So yeah, delusional.  He doesn't picture that whole thing, but the idea is that you're mystically connected after that.  We both realized that when I stopped believing in the supernatural, that all went away.  I reassured him (and continue to by the way I live) that I believe we are united in love and in our commitment to each other.  I don't really act any differently towards him, which should show that the deeply religious view of marriage isn't necessary.  It falls in line with the truth that one doesn't need religion to have good morals and ethical behavior.  That comes from one's own mind, and the culture in which they're raised, in my opinion.  

In hindsight, I'd favor the living together thing, and perhaps have a sentimental/romantic commitment ceremony (like many gay people do now).  In our society in the US, the legal/tax ramifications give reason to have at least a civil marriage.  I have a friend that got a certificate online for $20 to be a "reverend" and he legally performed the marriage ceremony for his sister and her fiance.  :)

Legal, financial and social reasons to get married, especially when there are children involved, make marriage worth the effort.  I wish more people would understand that it takes work every day and not rush in and out of relationships.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi89.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk227%2FMommaSquid%2Fmimosa20tree-2.jpg&hash=dfd0bd0eb8776262d71ad1ab151101dfae7e7460)


Hubby and I had a nice civil ceremony under a mimosa tree (like the one in the picture.).  The relatives didn't seem to mind the venue and no one asked questions.  Their lack of curiosity always amazes me.   I think they secretly know I'm an atheist but have always been too afraid to ask.  :lol:

Interesting topic. Of course with my face, and my bank account, it's not something I'll have to worry about.

But I'd say it's still a good idea, because I imagine it gives you a sense of solidarity that you might not otherwise have. Plus I'm sure it makes you all warm and fuzzy. But it certainly isn't for everyone. I guess I'd do it for legal reasons. Plus, if some lady wanted to marry me, I might question her sanity, but I sure wouldn't let something like marriage get in the way of my happiness.  

Steve Reason: Aw, honey, I'm sure you're not that bad looking!  Studies have shown that being confident and upbeat (not Tony Robbins annoying, but like Drew Carey or Hugh Laurie) are more important than looks.

I have a dear girlfriend that feels "terminally single," but when we talk about life, we have the same amount of negatives and positives.  *shrug*

Sorry if that's too mother hen-ish.  :-/  I just enjoy your posts, and hate to see anyone be down on themselves.  We all do it, but it sucks.

*cyberhug*
sophie

Romance and tax breaks, romance and tax breaks go together like . . . the horse . . . and . . . carriage . . .

I guess my girlfriend and I don't really see the romantic angle of marriage. I seriously just don't get it. I mean, we have lots of fun together, and we love each other very much. Like I wrote above, we are on our second house. We have been together longer than most of our married couple friends one of whom is now divorcing after 6 years together.

I don't think standing in front of a bunch of people and giving my girlfriend a ring is going to make our relationship stronger or better in any way.

I can understand the tax break thing. But in Canada common-law is considered equal to marriage under the law. We also have universal healthcare, so insurance is irrelevant.

Divorces are plentiful and easy these days, so as institutions go, marriage really doesn't seem like much of a strong one.

. . . I guess I'll just never get it.  :?

Quote from: "Smarmy Of One"I am not asking this question to be facetious or to antagonize and I apologize if this post comes off like a rant, but I seriously don't understand why non-religious people get married.

My girlfriend and I have been together for 12 years. We are on our second house together. Neither of us has any interest in getting married.

I mean, isn't it just to sanctify a union under god? We are both atheists, so the act is meaningless. Just another means of control by the church or state, like baptism.

I checked with my lawyer and the only benefit of a marriage under the law is that if one spouse dies, the other is automatically assumed as the beneficiary of the estate. However, my will covers this already.

I just don't get it. If any married or planning to get married atheists out there care to share their reasons, I really want to know.  :?

That is a good question. My husband and I felt something so strong for each other that we wanted to express it in a big way. Looking back, I think it is expressed more in the lives we live together than in the marriage.

Our marriage was short and devastating. We divorced and then reconciled. Now, things are better than ever. I don't want to get married, though I still feel the same way. I don't really see a reason if it doesn't benefit me financially or legally.

I've answered this question many times... I've made a commitment to my husband and we made it legal.  This allowed him to be covered by my medical insurance (at the time) and I hated my last name.  LOL!

Nothing more complicated than that.  We wanted to share the rest of our lives together and marriage was the legal contract we used to cement that commitment.

And the party.  And now, for me anyway, it's an additional gift-receiving occasion.  And I got a pretty dress for the day for which I was the center of attention.  

Hey, I'm a girl, we like that kind of thing.   :lol:

The same reason lip-service christians go to church: ceremony and ritual.

I have no doubt at all that tax breaks and all that jazz play a role, but for the most part, I would believe it's for the sake of the relationship. Just without the third 'god' constituent thrown into the mixture.

Quote from: "rlrose328"... and I hated my last name.

Best reason yet!

 

Sounds to me, from this discussion, that depending on where you live there are practical considerations (these certainly have an impact on me, in the US).  Also, though, there are personal considerations.  Smarmy, I think you've illustrated that if the idea of marriage is useless to you then its no use getting married.  Given your situation and the laws of the nation of your residence, I find your decision completely understandable.

Here's a funny thing about marriage that always bothered me - the engagement ring.  It seems somehow barbaric, like you're "buying" a wife or something.  Does this bug anyone else, or am I just weird?

QuoteHere's a funny thing about marriage that always bothered me - the engagement ring. It seems somehow barbaric, like you're "buying" a wife or something. Does this bug anyone else, or am I just weird?

Yeah, it's like a leash or something. Oh, and you probably are weird too.

 :wink:

Well, that's what my wife and I did. We just put her on a leash. Saved a bunch of money that we would have spent on a ring. Plus nothing says, "I'm taken" like a steel chain!

Here's a picture of her with her "engagement leash". (just kidding folks)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tehmugshots.com%2Fdata%2Fmedia%2F6%2FGirl_on_leash.jpg&hash=2c88854fc921429029b6d2f412cb87db4d99238d)

 :lol:

Quote from: "SteveS"Here's a funny thing about marriage that always bothered me - the engagement ring.  It seems somehow barbaric, like you're "buying" a wife or something.  Does this bug anyone else, or am I just weird?

Yea, I always thought that men should have to wear them, too.

Nice leash, McQ.  Does she have a chastity belt, too?  *smirk*

I agree with the engagement ring weirdness.  I know that many cultures had (probably some still do) a dowry or like in Ireland, where the women had a "fortune" (furniture, money, property) which made her more attractive as a wife.  But the man giving the woman a ring... not sure where that started.  I'll look it up later.

All that being said, my husband gave me a diamond ring that had been his grandmother's, so it was beautiful and had family meaning, too.  Seems dumb to bury someone with an engagement ring and make the next generation have to buy more.

QuoteYea, I always thought that men should have to wear them (engagement rings), too.

What do you think we're living in, some kind of fantasy Utopia where men and women are equal?! Thank god society holds onto it's traditions.

What are you, an anarchist or something?

 :wink:

I'm not planning on getting married, either. A ring and a dress will not make my relationship with my partner any more serious, so I don't see why I should. As for benefits, I can buy health insurance from my university until I graduate, and then until I get my PhD. When I have the money to pay the court fees, I will be assigning my partner as my medical agent if I am somehow incapacitated. I never had any intention of us filing joint tax returns, but I changed my mind, you can do it without actually being married.

Quote from: "Smarmy of One"Oh, and you probably are weird too.

Damn it!  Here I was, hoping against hope, but honestly I knew it all along.  :wink:

Quote from: "Court"I'm not planning on getting married, either. A ring and a dress will not make my relationship with my partner any more serious, so I don't see why I should. As for benefits, I can buy health insurance from my university until I graduate, and then until I get my PhD. When I have the money to pay the court fees, I will be assigning my partner as my medical agent if I am somehow incapacitated. I never had any intention of us filing joint tax returns, but I changed my mind, you can do it without actually being married.

Interesting. I think I'd like to one day but I hope its not too lavish and expensive. I guess for me, it just kind of says, "yep this is the one".

That said, had some long term relationships did not work out that way?Regrets? Yep, tons, ... Always dated older girls and wish I'd either settled down with them already, or given my "late bloomer" status that I'd gone with somewhat younger ones.

 One of my ex's has 3 or 4 kids now, she is
"vice president" of a toast master's club and has a solid position as an engineer.

Another is a single mom with two kids with a pretty good career. She had her last kid artificially because her biological clock was ticking. I probably had the best relationship with her but she has some issues related to a jerk father and ... long story. We're still pretty good friends.

I feel guilty but i really do want to have my own kids. Its a silly sentiment but for some reason my family members don't seem to get many, at least the ones in Canada on my dad's side. My mum made me very "sentiment" about my 6 generation canadian status and stuff. Anyway, I was not brought up with religion but marriage is pretty ingrained into my 40 year old head as something a person should do. I may actually hate the details; divorces are NASTY and in Canada the man is SCREWED if he divorces.

(The only exception I know involved a friend dating an Iranian guy who LIED in court saying he was supporting his "poor" parents oversees; they are actually very wealthy. That was actually a paternity suit case but in divorce as well, the guy gets SCREWED under Canadian law.

I have a friend, he and his ex-wife make almost the same salary, (she makes slightly yes but has job-security and pension benefits, they have
joint custody of the kids, but he had to fork over tons of money to her.)

Quote from: "Sophie"Steve Reason: Aw, honey, I'm sure you're not that bad looking!  Studies have shown that being confident and upbeat (not Tony Robbins annoying, but like Drew Carey or Hugh Laurie) are more important than looks.

I have a dear girlfriend that feels "terminally single," but when we talk about life, we have the same amount of negatives and positives.  *shrug*

Sorry if that's too mother hen-ish.  :-/  I just enjoy your posts, and hate to see anyone be down on themselves.  We all do it, but it sucks.

*cyberhug*
sophie

Thanks, you're a sweetheart.  

I don't look at marriage as a "union under God". I look at it as a union of two people who love each other. It's more of a cultural tradition for me.

I mean, I still celebreate Christmas, even though I'm an atheist. I celebrate it to spend time with family, give and get gifts, and watch Santa Claus movies. What's wrong with that?

I see it as a cultural tradition, not to celebreate the highly questionable birthday of some guy who lived 2 thousand years ago. I just want my fruitcake...

Other than to share health care benefits or whatnot I see no reason to marry.    It's a custom that has its origin in times and cultures wherein women were regarded as little more than childbearing cattle.  I'd rather stay with my love or loves because I love them rather than because I'm contractually obligated and I'm sure they feel the same.

I was engaged when I first became an atheist. A few months after, I broke the engagement because suddenly marriage made no sense to me. So I totally agree with you.

Aside from being a religious practice, it's also a business transaction between father and husband - a sale of females as property. I'm pleased that we've evolved past this custom.

Quote from: "Eris"it's also a business transaction between father and husband - a sale of females as property

Man - then I must be the world's all time worst business man.  My wife's parents were divorced, and she was not close to her father at all --- I ended up paying for the entire wedding myself.

Quote from: "SteveS"As long as I'm married, my medical coverage through work covers my non-working wife.  This was a heck of a good reason!  

BTW, we were married by a retired judge in a chapel - no church required, and the reception was a great party.  Another good reason.

I married for a similar reason. The legal reasons for marriage are the reasons we married. My spouse is on disability & my medical coverage takes care of his medicine & doc visits. Also, he's legally bound to our debt should we decide to separate. When my gf & I broke up (yes, gf), she left me in a mountain of debt ($30K) & I had no legal way of having her pay for part of it b/c everything was in my name.

Also, hubby & I were married in a gazebo outside by a Methodist minister from a local hospital. We specifically asked that he not mention religion during the ceremony, so he didn't.  Also, the reception was fun & our honeymoon was at the beach (North Carolina)...it was a lot of fun!

Indeed, BleedingOrchid, the laws being what they are there is a definite utilitarian benefit to marriage.

Quote from: "BleedingOrchid"Also, the reception was fun & our honeymoon was at the beach (North Carolina)...it was a lot of fun!

Glad to hear it - the reception and honeymoon are the best part of the experience!

I know I'm only 20, but try not to think I don't know what I'm talking about (though I may not)

Normally I would say getting married is the...symbolism of a deeper commitment between two people. But seeing the divorce rates that there are today I think the true meaning of marriage is lost, at least for some. But when I do get married someday I will certainly do it to show my deep commitment to someone. And for other people looking at us will actually see the commitment in a way that just saying it without marriage cant.

The divorce rate is another thing that makes me question the value of marriage. It's at 50% in North America! It seems like marriage is a conspiracy dreamed up by a powerful underground wedding planner/event hall owner/divorce lawyer consortium!

im getting married because my girlfriend is buddhist.

i suppose its all down to pagan rituals, not religion

Pagan rituals are religion. Also, Buddhists are not considered pagans.

I wish we had domestic partnership for all ..to cover the legal stuff..then let marriage be reserved folks who want the party or church wedding


I probably would not be "married" if it had not been for my husband job taking him overseas...I could not go with him unless we were married ( at least not for free with housing!)

So we did the deed..but even waaaay back the I tried but the judge would not take god out of the vows...I did not want "vows" even! But we had no choice

So we just ran into the courthouse with friends...then ran out

I am so happy we are still united...paper does not matter to us but it protects us anyway

We got married for the public recognition of our relationship.  We had a wedding for the party.  Marriage is culturally significant as well as being religious for those who want a religious wedding.  We had a secular wedding in a local medieval hall.  It was great.
Technically, being married means that the husband can have his name on a child's birth certificate, even if he doesn't to register the birth himself.  I think that non-married couples have to pay inheritance tax in this country, but it may have been changed.

I was reluctant to get married, because I remebered what our formothers said, "End human sacrifice. Don't get married".  But mine is not a marriage of servitude, and I made an exception for Tim and married him.

My father did not give me away because I was never his to give.  I did allow him to escort me down the aisle though.

We got married because we wanted to make a strong commitment towards each other in front of our family and friends. I also like being able to state that she is my wife when I fill out forms and stuff.

We got married because 40 years ago there was still quite a stigma to "living in sin" and children being bastards.  The wife's parents were both prominent professionals and the alternative would have done them no good.

We had a boring wedding and reception but a lot of excellent wedding presents made up for that.

Both my daughters married and I am  fairly pleased about that, even though times have changed.  Statistically, married couples are much less likely to split up, and (call me fuddy-duddy) kids are much better brought up by two parents.

Quote from: OldGit on August 05, 2011, 12:39:26 PM
Statistically, married couples are much less likely to split up, and (call me fuddy-duddy) kids are much better brought up by two parents.

I beg to differ.  Married couples who aren't in love anymore.  Aren't affectionate, but still together anyway. What kind of life is that?   My girlfriend's parents have been together 30 years, and trust me when I saw they are the most unloving people.

Marriage has nothing to do with love. It never has. I wish people would stop making marriage seem like a magical fix to life's problems. I'm so very not into marriage..

Quote from: Sweetdeath
Marriage has nothing to do with love. It never has. I wish people would stop making marriage seem like a magical fix to life's problems. I'm so very not into marriage..

The two don't necessarily coincide, but they often do.  We're just past our 40th anniversary and still love each other deeply, though it's not the same love as in year 1.  Yes, OK, that could still be the case without a ceremony, and as I implied, at the time we weren't particularly bothered whether we had that ceremony or not.  Now I think it was a good thing; I can see no disadvantages in hindsight and it has been a stabilising influence during the inevitable bad patches.

The fact that your girlfriend's parents are still together in a bad relationship may, I suppose, have something to do with their being married; but divorce is so easy these days that they don't have to stay married.

How is divorce easy?  You live in a big house and pay bills together? Dividing that up isn't easy. Not to mention the emotional toll divorce lawyers and the situation has on both people.


Though I will save myself the trouble of a pointless divorce by just not getting married, and/or depending on anyone else to take care of me. :/

A quick divorce only happens when both partied can easily agree on who gets what...it is very rare for this to occur since usually one is mad at the other for something by the time it gets to that point.  If kids are involved it is even more complicated.

If not married you just grab your stuff and leave only having to go to court if the other person won't give you your stuff or if you want to claim common law marriage in order to get their stuff.

When combining incomes into a joint bank account marriage is the easiest way to make sure that things will get split up fairly if the relationship ends...but if someone is against marriage on principal a lawyer could be hired to write up any necessary contracts needed to achieve the same effect...though there are other marriage related perks in the form of tax breaks, inclusion on employee insurance plans, and hospital visitation rights if one party is in intensive care.

I'd have to say only for the social / governmental protection of rights and the tax benefits.

I've never been one to want to be married. I'm a fiercely independent woman who has been on my own since I was about 15. I've never been overly romantic. I hate chic flicks. Won't catch me holding hands with a significant other etc. Then I actually fell in love with a man who wants more than anything to be a married man with a family. I guess his dream sort of grew on me.  :P

I want to be married to a man who can support me until the day I die. In exchange I will care for him until the day he dies. It's in the contract!

Mind you I come from a set of parents who were married a few times. Father was married once before my mother. Mother was married 5 times. Starting at the age of 15! And married to the last one (my father) twice!

Did I tell you we came from a very Catholic home? You wanna have sex? Get married and get out of my house. Those were my grandparents to my mother!

Quote from: Medusa on August 06, 2011, 11:03:56 AM
I've never been one to want to be married. I'm a fiercely independent woman who has been on my own since I was about 15. I've never been overly romantic. I hate chic flicks. Won't catch me holding hands with a significant other etc. Then I actually fell in love with a man who wants more than anything to be a married man with a family. I guess his dream sort of grew on me.  :P

I want to be married to a man who can support me until the day I die. In exchange I will care for him until the day he dies. It's in the contract!

Mind you I come from a set of parents who were married a few times. Father was married once before my mother. Mother was married 5 times. Starting at the age of 15! And married to the last one (my father) twice!

Did I tell you we came from a very Catholic home? You wanna have sex? Get married and get out of my house. Those were my grandparents to my mother!

Unless your both going to die on the same day, your not going to be able to do that  ;D
Suicide bomb? Sorry, sorry, sorry, bad Tank, bad Tank, couldn't resist it  ;)

Well I'm 12 years old than him. So....I said I want to be buried with my cats. And that he CANNOT get another wife!

Were you being sarcastic about being married to a man who can/will support you, Medusa ?   ???

Quote from: Medusa on August 06, 2011, 11:10:11 AM
Well I'm 12 years old than him. So....I said I want to be buried with my cats. And that he CANNOT get another wife!

That actually just increases the chances that you'll die at the same time...women tend to outlive men.

But, why care if you die and he remarries?  It's not like you believe you'll be waiting for him in the afterlife.  If I die my husband can do whatever her wants.

^  If I die before my girlfriend, I want her to be happy, not grieve over someone who doesn't physically exist anymore. :<

Quote from: Whitney on August 06, 2011, 05:41:46 PM

Quote from: Medusa on August 06, 2011, 11:10:11 AM
Well I'm 12 years old than him. So....I said I want to be buried with my cats. And that he CANNOT get another wife!

That actually just increases the chances that you'll die at the same time...women tend to outlive men.

But, why care if you die and he remarries?  It's not like you believe you'll be waiting for him in the afterlife.  If I die my husband can do whatever her wants.

I'm Latina and extremely jealous and passionate. I'd haunt in from beyond the grave if he took another wife! ;)
This I gest. But seriously he said he couldn't live without me. I told him he could jump in the coffin and get under the wrap with me.  ;D

QuoteWere you being sarcastic about being married to a man who can/will support you, Medusa ?   Huh

Sweetdeath, my fiance is a very Arab man from a Muslim world. In Islam marriage makes you whole and is blessed by God. He believes fully in following all laws of Islam. And many haddiths speak on how to treat your wife and what a marriage entails. One being...

QuoteIf you are able, do not hold back from providing your wife with good clothing and food, and from being generous in spending money on her. This is of course according to the extent of your ability.

He believes he cannot marry a woman until he can offer her a home and stability and love. I've been an independent woman supporting myself for going on 40 years. I'm a-ok with spending my later years being taken care of and taking care of him. In the end we are both extremely old fashioned in what we see as gender roles. He makes the money. I run the show.  ;)

*plus I've been working since I was about 17 non stop. And at one point after an 8 year stint with Hot Topic, I worked 3 jobs at once to support myself through some lean times. I was working as a Blockbuster employee, a rep throwing pallets of lumber up at Home Depot and a home care aid..and a waitress. I've earned my right to be a stay at home wife and mother. ;D

Quote from: McQ on January 29, 2008, 07:55:15 PM


When my wife and I were married, I was not an atheist. Now it's just cheaper to keep her.  :lol:

*laffin*

Well besides the legal, tax, and insurance reasons that has already been stated (so I don't feel the need to repeat); I truly believe that when two people get married, they are taking their relationship to the "next level". Maybe they won't last until "death dues them part", but it's a honest effort to try. Maybe it's me being naive, but I think if two work on their relationship that they will... last.