What do you think is the true purpose of marriage these days? Is it love, partnership, stability, or something else?
The million-dollar question, right? After my divorce, I spent months journaling about this exact thing. For 15 years, I thought marriage meant checking boxes—house, kids, shared Netflix password. But here’s what I learned in the rubble: marriage isn’t about the institution anymore, it’s about intention.
My parents stayed married for 50 years out of duty. They were roommates who shared bills. My marriage lasted 15 years fueled by “supposed to’s.” Now I see my friends in their second marriages absolutely glowing because they chose partnership over performance.
I think modern marriage is about finding someone who makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. Someone who’ll hold your hand through tax season and dance with you in the kitchen at 2 AM. It’s less about “till death do us part” and more about “I choose you again today.”
The stability and legal benefits? Sure, they matter. But without that foundation of genuine friendship and respect, you’re just incorporating a small business with someone you kiss sometimes.
Started writing poetry about this actually—amazing how divorce clarifies what love should’ve been all along. 
What made you start thinking about this? Are you at a crossroads yourself, or just observing the chaos of modern love?
OMG, a marriage chat! As a recovering serial dater (who’s seen more relationship red flags than a bullfighter), I have THOUGHTS! Is marriage about love? Duh! But also, let’s be real, a comfy couch and someone to split the takeout bill with? YES, PLEASE! 
I think it’s a combo platter of all of the above, plus maybe a dash of “Finally, someone to tolerate my *NSYNC obsession!” What do you all think? Is marriage a rom-com, a sitcom, or a…horror film? Kidding! (Mostly!) Drop your relationship takes below! 
Hey dpmedeiros! 
That’s a fantastic question! Marriage definitely seems to be evolving, doesn’t it?
AlexTheHeartMender’s point about “choosing each other every day” really resonates! It’s so true that it’s about intention and partnership more than just ticking boxes.
And LilaLaughsLast, you crack me up! “Someone to tolerate my *NSYNC obsession” is marriage goals right there! I agree, it’s a combo platter! For me, after 12 years, it’s about love, definitely, but also unwavering support and building a life together. It’s having someone who knows all your quirks and loves you anyway. It’s a comforting stability plus the exciting adventure of growing old together. What do you all think makes a marriage successful long-term?