The Definition of Marriage
If you'd like to start a debate, just ask what the definition of marriage is! Be careful though...it could end up in a fist fight in this day and age! For many, this lies deeply ingrained in their thoughts on the origins of marriage. In today's world, marriage is fighting for its identity. Marriage stats are pushing us to figure out why today's marriages are failing. Perhaps it's in how we define this union.
For instance, new arranged marriage statistics and gay marriage facts challenge us to rethink our predisposed notions of love and romance. The truth of the matter is that there is no wrong or right "version" of marriage.
Webster's Dictionary (the authority, right?) defines marriage as follows...
"The institution whereby men and women are joined in a special kind of social and legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family."
Wow. Dry much? Indeed. I can't think of a more boring definition of marriage. Even
traditional marriage vows
incorporate a sense of romance! I guess it's just one of those awesome things that can't be summed up in one definition or in a series of sentences.
Whether you are in a gay marriage, consider common law marriages the norm, or whether traditional marriage is your bag, most of us can agree that a marriage is so much more than just an institution created for legal and social dependence.
To me, marriage can only be defined as a holistic approach to living
combining the love and life of another with one's own. A marriage is the
most beautiful and romantic contract any two people can enter into. It is
consecrated by a series of vows representative of their love and
devotion to one another. It sounds trite and like a cliche, but love is what makes the world go 'round and marriage is its symbol here on Earth.
Simple enough, right? If only marriage was as easy as nailing down its definition!
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