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OT: Rebelious reopening of locked topic 24-Aug-2010 At 3:27:58 PM jezza

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I think that today, everyone has their own personal understanding of what 'marriage' means
- for lawyers, it's about a set of duties and obligations, that, thankfully, have been shrinking over time, gradually
replaced by 'de-facto' relationships
- for some, it's a commitment that must be between a man & woman
- for religious people, it has something to do with God
- for Wendy and lots of people like her, it's pretty meaningless, but whatever it is, it comes with historical baggage
- I don't know Wendy's mum, but if she's like mine (same vintage), it's about 'doing things "properly", the way
they've always been done'
- for some it's two adults, declaring their love in front of their friends and making a public commitment

I'm in the latter camp. I'm also very much in favour of getting presents, dressing up weirdly and having a big party.

There's also a big difference in how important people think marriage is
- just an excuse for a party
- the above, plus a big deal for immediate family and close friends
- the above, plus a big deal for (very) extended family and friends
- the above, plus a big deal for God
- the above, plus a big deal for 'principle' and the human race

I'm in the second camp.

I think, the problem today is that marriage has gone from a pretty well defined concept (both the 'what', and the 'how important') to something that's pretty murky. Western society is in a flux period right now, and we'll probably go on shouting at each other for another 20 years, until the importance of marriage has all but died out here.