I’m always finding these articles online that get me thinking a bit, like this one, about a survey regarding the keys to a good marriage. The interesting line in the article, to me, was The survey also found that, by a margin of nearly 3-to-1, Americans say the main purpose of marriage is the “mutual happiness and fulfillment” of adults rather than the “bearing and raising of children.” and then the fact that some people/experts found this problematic.
I’m definitely behind the idea that having two parents in a loving relationship (let’s not make this a “who can be married” question, either) is likely the best environment for children; I’m just concerned when we get to thinking that raising kids is the purpose for marriage. As I look for a spouse and think about marriage (one day… :) ), I think about the possibility of children, but that’s not why I’d ultimately get married. In fact, I’ve often thought that if I hit a certain age (maybe 35 or 40) and don’t have a spouse, I’d probably adopt a child of my own.
Isn’t marriage about being in a committed relationship with someone you love and wish to share your life with? Or is this one more way in which I’ve been living a naive pipe dream? I’m also not saying that marriage is for everyone or everyone is for marriage. That’s an idea I gave up sometime during my college life. As for if I’m one of those people who’s better off single: I don’t think so right now, but I guess that’s one thing time will tell.
Posted by eric bjorlin 