Why and when marriage?

Lounge
41

I must say I don’t understand the changing the name thing either. :teehee: Here it’s possible to do it in principle but nobody does it. It’s a little culture shock, isn’t it? To me it would be like changing my first name to my mother in law’s. :teehee: It wouldn’t make any sense. Imagine: “My name is Iza today, but tomorrow after my wedding, I’ll be Mary”. :shrug:

This being said, when it comes to marriage, tradition is always an important element. The significance of each tradition will be different for different people, so I can understand why for some women it’s important. The perception of a married woman using her maiden name is important too. For places where the default is to change your name, I can understand it’s just easier to do like everyone else.

You’re right, jjminarcik, it is very very important if you decide not to get married to make sure all the legal/financial consequences are very clear. However, I don’t think it’s different for people who decide to get married. It’s equally important for married couple to understand what it means in terms of legal/financial obligations. No matter what you decide, it’s important to get accurate information and accept the consequences of your decision. :thumbsup:

For your friend, it’s very possible she doesn’t want to commit. And you could be surprised! I know a couple who always said they know it will end one day and that they didn’t plan to live together for the rest of their lives. Well they are still together after more than 10 years, and they’re still happy together. :teehee: Better than a lot of marriages!

42

I met my husband in Fall of 2000 in Physics class at college, we were both 19. By the spring, we were engaged, but we didn’t get married until summer of 2004. This was primarily due to the fact that I was still in school and mom swore that as soon as I was married, she would quit helping me cover college expenses. Unfortunately, she had previously promised to help me until I finished, and due to this, I still don’t have a degree three years later.
Mom has never entirely approved of DH and still seems to think it won’t last. I’m 26 now and I think we’re even closer and happier than when we met. We’ve been through so much together already, and I can’t see us ever giving up on each other.
Unfortunately, here in the US, if you want medical insurance for your significant other, you have to get married. As far as we’re concerned, the day we got engaged, it was official.
I changed my name because I really didn’t like my last name, and I didn’t feel like dealing with a double last name. His is easier to spell, so people don’t mess it up!
Anyway- people thought we wouldn’t last, and seven years later, I love him more than ever!