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As per our conversation, the person I interviewed highly values marriage. She made many notable points, including her 10 criterion for a successful marriage. In her words, "Successful couples are often in agreement in the following areas: 1) Fidelity/Relationship Rules 2) How to Earn and Spend Money 3) Religion/ Politics/Belief Systems 4) Agreement on Whether to Have Children 5) Frequency and Quality of Sex Life/Meeting of Physical Needs 6) Frequency of Expressing Appreciation and Affection 7) Similar Interests/Hobbies/Entertainment 8) Clear, Consistent, and Honest Communication 9) Supporting Each Other's Relationship Roles, Career/Life Goals Unconditionally 10) Agreement on Future Life Plans at Every Stage (Where to Retire, etc.)." She further explained that many factors can create tension in marriages, including substance abuse, physical or verbal abuse, and competing career goals.

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"Do you value marriage?"

He answered "yes" right away and when I asked why he explained that he still carries those 'old school beliefs', his dream has always been to have a family of his own, and the key would be 'marriage'. He stated that one doesn't marry with divorce in mind; once the "I do's" are said, it is forever. Which is why he values marriage because he values his future and the wellbeing of each person in the relationship, including the blossom of two persons in love, the children. The value of marriage goes to ensuring the decision is correct and that the person they decide to marry is right for a future that won't have their kids or themselves negatively affected by their decision.

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Somewhat (3).

As an institution, she values marriage when it is a choice. She wants everyone to be able to decide for themselves whether or not they marry. She also noted the technical legal and health benefits of marriage, such as tax benefits and noted mental health research. For her personally, it wasn’t significantly different than just dating. When she was younger, she did not necessarily think about marriage or consider it a big goal of her's. She was not the type to have dreams of a big wedding at a young age, nor was her husband, so it was never as significant of a moment as it may be for other married couples. Despite this, they have been together for over 20 years, so she still finds the expression of love itself valuable.

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Yes 4

He explained that while marriage is not something to be rushed, it can be a great and necessary foundation especially for starting a family. He is married and has a baby and wants his baby to have parents with a strong marriage.

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Yes (4)

I think marriage is not necessairly the "pinnacle" or like end goal of a relationship it is seen as. I think there have been a very large amount of relationships that have been just as, if not more than, rewarding and loving as a relationship that led to marriage. I also think it depends on your definiton of marriage, a lot of people would say its this amazing joining of two people, whereas others would say marriage is just the government acknowledging and "officializing" a relationship. My main thing is also that up until this century, there were an insane amount of relationships that could never even dream of getting married

So i think its a disservice to them, who had very fruitful, rewarding relationships to say that marriage is the end all be all of loving somebody I spoke to my friend and they believes that marriage isn't necessarily the ultimate goal of a relationship, as many non-marital relationships can be equally rewarding and loving. They argue that the concept of marriage varies among individuals, with some viewing it as a profound union while others see it merely as a legal acknowledgment. Additionally, they highlight that historically, many fulfilling relationships couldn't legally marry, so it's unfair to deem marriage as the ultimate measure of love and commitment. - Muskan

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My dad said he greatly valued marriage, but doesn't believe marriage is necessary for everyone. He believes many people have a problem with commitment and get scared when entering a marriage commitment because essentially everything will be half-and-half. In a relationship he believes that marriage isn’t necessary as long as they have good moral values for example, not cheating. Still contains the qualities of marriage, but without the legal paperwork.

I would say my dad values marriage a 4 out of 5. Being that in his own relationship it is very important and something he values, but in terms of other people their situations are different and call for different relationships.

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(No.)She said that while marriage isnt absolutely necessary, it still plays an important role in society, and emotionally. Many people today choose not to have weddings, or just abstain from making it official in the first place

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yes (5)

I interviewed my dad and he said that he values marriage a lot. He said that it brings value and commitment to a relationship and that its necessary for a long term relationship. In the case that it doesn't work out they are also compensated and also share their finances.

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Yes. (3-4/5). Stated that although she is unmarried/divorced and does not struggle because of it, she highly values marriage due to cultural and religious regions and believes married life to better than single life for those who aren't pursuing monk/nunship as a vow of celibacy for God. Marriage is one of the most fulfilling parts of life, she believes, and in her opinion many marriages do not work out when they step out of bounds for what God has outlined.

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The Interviewee was my 72-year-old grandmother. In summary, my grandmother believes marriage is a wonderful thing (I agree) but it also is not something that should be grounded in just love. She believes it is a majorly important thing, especially in adult life and something that will also require a lot of teamwork and grit. She values marriage, and on a scale of one to five, she answered five.

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yes (5)

The person I interviewed has a very high value of marriage both in a sense that they believe that marriage should be the ultimate goal of any relationship, and also in a religious sense that people should get married in order to start a family of their own. Having been married for about 26 years, she has a high value of marriage, and although not fully agreeing with divorce in all senses, believes that divorce is acceptable in certain situations.

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I spoke to my mom who said that she does value marriage, although she doesn't think it is a requirement. She is a firm believer in a marriage at the very least for the importance of the legality part of it. She doesn't feel that marriage changes how much you love a person. However, she does believe that a lot of different things can happen (car accidents, unfortunate passings, insurance troubles, etc.) that the legal part of getting married can be very necessary. My dad was in a motorcycle accident when I was a kid and situations like that make it really difficult when people aren't married. My mom might not have been able to even visit him if they weren't married. I believe her value of marriage is a 3/5.

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1 divorce, happily re-married. She said it was a sign of commitment and love and, in her country, a legal protection of the life you built in the case of separation. Disagrees with traditional Western gendered roles in a marriage as it limits personal growth and career growth (and so do children).

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Somewhat (3)

She said that while she can see how marriage is important and valued, that there was not a necessary need for it. She believed that marriage is just an extended label to some and that its not always a necessary step for some people to take.

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(Gabryelle C)

Yes

3

Marriage is moreso an economic agreement rather than a union ouy of love

Marriage is an important step in trust because of the finances involved

You can achieve the same thing out of the conventional loving marriage without needing to get married

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Yes. 5 She said that marriage is necessary in society for long term companionship and raising the next generation. She believes that it is important to society’s function and order

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(18- college student, “Do you value marriage”.) She explained to me that she does not highly value marriage. She is a “career woman” and focuses on that. She believes that marriage is a scam if it doesn't work out, divorce is an expense and she will lose money. She elaborated that if she is successful, she does not need to rely on someone for stability. When further discussing, she says she does not see herself with kids. She explains that if she is successful she “does not need to waste time” with dependents and lose freedom.

Valuing marriage as a 1 maybe 2.

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My dad claimed that marriage is valuable even in the event that it does not work out. He said marriage provides valuable insight on relationships and the important features the relationship must have in order to be sustainable, which he has learned from and improved upon through hindsight now that he is divorced (improvements and lessons that he can now pass down to me). He does acknowledge that marriage is not for everyone and explained that maybe my parents weren't ready to get married quite yet but felt an underlying sense of pressure from society and the family to get married, as that was the norm. ⅗ value

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Yes. (4)

The person I interviewed values marriage a lot. Although he doesn't think marriage is necessary, he does view it as a sign of commitment and love. It is important to him that it is not rushed as he believes that increases its chance of failing.

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yes. (5)

In the 21st century marriage is still necessary because it makes them happy or helps them legally or socially. I think its up to each person to decide for themselves as marriage is not for everyone.

I spoke to my sister who says her marriage was the best thing thats happened to her. she says shes forever grateful to her husband since hes helped her strengthen her relationship with God and for her 4 year old son they have together. she says without this marriage shed be missing a part of hersel.

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Did your parents say that or you?

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Yes (3)

Valuable for partnership and long-term emotional security and satisfaction. However, Marriage also limits the opportunities of the individual, especially for the person with the primary domestic/childcare responsibility, as this continues to be an uneven distribution in most households. While one individual is given the opportunity to pursue a career, education, etc., the other is more occupied with their own career in addition to housework, reducing both flexibility and leisure time. However, marriage without children (DINK) without children can make a difference since it grants individuals more flexibility and room for growth, alongside the space to pursue their own goals. On a positive note, Marriage also lends great security to individuals and allows them to enrich their life experiences without feelings of solitude and insecurity. Instead, marriage allows for feelings of familiarity and comfort. However, it should also be noted that in marriages with a sole “breadwinner,” a certain dependence is created which establishes a strange sort of power structure within the marital bond. This can be negative and lead the non-breadwinner to being somewhat limited.

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Somewhat. (3, maybe 2) Thinks marriage is a legal contract and not about love, despite popular belief in Western societies. However, would still get married unless they found a partner who was not interested in marriage. Thinks it was far more necessary for women to find husbands years ago because they had limited rights, and it was heavily expected. Nowadays, there is still much of society that is built for marriage, so it has its benefits, especially legally, but there are also benefits to not getting married.

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53yrs, Yes, I value marriage a lot. (5)

Marriage was and has been and will be the first institution formed by God for men. An institution confirmed by two thinking beings each different, but who reach an agreement to share their lives, and develop in the various stages that this, that is what marriage entails. It is necessary now and always... Marriage is the basis of society, in marriage the men and women of today and tomorrow are created and formed.

66 yrs, (5)

I do value it, even though I never got married but I lived next to my sister who raised me, watching her marriage and being part of it as another daughter of theirs. I believe it has been created by God as a way to multiply the human race and make those fruits of that love grow in love, values, understanding and multiply and likewise the world can change those wrong thoughts and procedures in the formation of a family, that is, discipline, direction that must be applied and not what is seen today, same-sex marriages, and everything that entails that type of disorders and decisions that go against those established by our God who created us at his own discretion. image and likeness of Him.

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Yes. She rated it a 5. She sees marriage as a union between two people that want to spend their lives together. Marriage is an emotional-support unit, basically a partnership for life. She sees marriage as a way to contribute to the economy as a full consumer unit as well.

Her opinion on whether it is necessary in the 21st century is quite reasonable. She said a lot of it has to do with culture and geography. Our economy moves further into the future and the climate of the economy is always changing, so it really depends. Her ultimate answer is no, but that is purely based on your personal views.

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Both stated that their view on marriage was lenient, depending on their partners and current state of life.

22 yr old. - gave it a 2.

28 yr old. - gave it a 2.5

They said that their decision on marriage depends on the partner and their partner’s values on marriage. [This was a general consensus expressed by the two]

As an overall, they seem pretty lenient on the aspect of marriage within their relationships. “As long as I’m with the LOML, I don’t think it really matters.”

It doesn’t mean that they’re completely disregarding the aspect of marriage within relationships, however this discussion/topic should be completely dependent on communication within said relationship.

Meaning, if their partner doesn’t intend on marriage, then they’re content without getting married.

The 28-year-old also states the importance of governmental documents, shared financials, children, wills, death. [I.e. Marriage taxes that could benefit the couple in the long run, the importance of children and aspects of childcare in case one party dies, etc.]

The 28-year old’s friends find a lot of emphasis on marriage and the aspect of marriage ceremonies and being formally unified in front of their friends and families, however this is subjective as always.

Both are European and Agnostic, this could also contribute to their leniency towards marriage, as there is no religious/possible societal pressure towards them to marry.

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No. (2) It can be important for some religious reasons but its not necessary for most people. I don't see myself getting married or having kids in the future so I don't really see the point of marrying someone, but also generally it doesn't really matter.

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Mom - age 37 - "it is not necessary"

Dad - age 36 - "It is not necessary for people to survive"

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Yes. (5)

Marriage is hard work.  After the engagement, the wedding, then comes the reality of day-to-day living as a couple.  Are you compatible, do you have the same values?  For example, do you know the habits of your soon to be spouse (drugs/smoking/abuse, spending, etc.)?  Without a marriage license you are each vulnerable to either party walking away from the marriage.  You either learn to work together and learn to compromise or it’s not a true partnership.  Raising children is a whole new level of stress and responsibility, (yes, we love our children) children are a lot of work. This is when YOU and your SPOUSE become responsible adults, it’s not about “me” anymore it’s about your children and your family unit. It is important to work together to stay together.  Without a marriage license it is simply too easy to merely walk away and just declare “this isn’t working” leaving the other party responsible for what remains. An office colleague of mine was getting married and asked for some advice (I was married 17 years at that time). I told her not to assume that your spouse knows how you feel and what you are thinking. You have to explain why you are feeling the way you are, because he/she may be clueless.  A few weeks later she thanked me for the advice, it worked.

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Yes. (5) It is a true demonstration of the ability to put another person on equal footing or above you in your life. There is no greater commitment to another person than through a marriage. It is the most important relationship and commitment in my life.

I accept one of the many traditional definitions of marriage,  that it is considered to be a consensual and contractual relationship governed by law. I believe marriage is necessary in order for a relationship to be considered a true marriage with binding responsibilities on the part of each person. It’s easy to declare and consider yourself in a marriage without any legal or moral accountability and hold yourself responsible only if you want to. Marriage is hard work. Business partnerships are usually governed by a legally binding agreement. Why shouldn’t we ask the same of marriage partnerships? Without a marriage in the traditional sense it becomes too easy for either party to leave when the relationship becomes hard work and challenging and to declare no further responsibility for making it work. This is especially so when there are money conflicts and children are involved. A real relationship demands accountability and responsibility and therefore I believe real marriage is necessary in the 21st. Century