Because I was an romantic who married a woman who was miserable with herself and would blame me for it for over two decades.
Forgive me if I don’t do that twice.
Usually they seem to be negative and the tax breaks are a joke. If I could claim single, I would get back a grand
The first time we hooked up we had already been friends for 8 years, having known each other in high school and stayed in casual touch through college while we each did our own thing. Things moved pretty fast and it soon became obvious that in addition to being good friends, having compatible values and interests, knowing/getting along with each other’s families and friends, etc., the physical chemistry was also pretty good. There weren’t really any other boxes to check. A few months in it was clear where things were heading, we almost got engaged accidentally after about five months of dating, and we got engaged on purpose after seven. At least from my perspective it was a momentous decision but not a particularly difficult one. I spent far more time and energy agonizing over my last car purchase.
As for the “why marriage” – It just seemed like the thing to do, I guess. I can’t say we ever considered doing all of the committed-monogamy stuff without getting married. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. The legal/social/economic perks have come in handy from time to time and the party was a lot of fun.
Ten years and two children later, no regrets.
I married him because I loved him. 3 years later (this week!) I’m still the luckiest broad living to call him my own. I married him when I did because we were becoming more in tune spiritually & wanted to make things right in the eyes of God.
Best decision I ever made.
Damn good question. I’m not sure whether it was just outright stupidity or some kind of mental illness.
We were pretty much living together, my first real relationship, and she had a kid from a previous relationship. I was way too young and immature to be a parent, but I tried. I reckon I cared at least as much for the kid as I did for her.
We’ve been divorced for the best part of 20 years. The “kid” still calls me Dad.