Why marry?

[JuliaL]

The Troll has been slain but I'll (sort of) take up his argument for argument's sake.

While I support everyone's right to choose whatever lifestyle they want, I don't have a high opinion of the institution of marriage. I think it's largely a security blanket for both sides. My bigger beef though is that society stigmatizes those who choose not to marry. That is not in anyone's best interest. It's similar to the social pressure to have children. The only people who do it should be the ones who genuinely WANT to do it. Reluctant marriage partners and reluctant parents alike suck. It does make great fodder for those who write soap operas though.

I see marriage as sort of an exercise in neolithic contract law.
Sure it can be misapplied.  But it does partially protect the investment of both the society and the individual.
Establishing a partnership without enforceable ground rules is unwise whether it be for commercial or private purposes.
Adolescents and young adults are not mature or experienced enough to see where their best interests lie.
Allowing either or both of the participants to leave on a whim without either financial or social sanction may be
less damaging than forcing continuation when there are no children involved, but when there is issue, both
society and family should have a say over dissolution, usually disapproving.
People who don't want to follow the rules laid down by their community, should change them or leave and form their own.