Marriage: An Antiquated Tradition or A Beautiful Bond?

I thought I'd never get married. Kids, maybe, but not marriage. To me, marriage seemed an unnecessary antiquated tradition, a way for our government to mold us into responsible, predictable subjects. I had to really rationalize with myself, in order to convince myself that marriage could be a part of my life, but now, seven months into my marriage, it couldn't feel more right.

Image from www.thedreamstress.com

Back then, I told myself, "Marriage is what I make of it. It will be totally different for me than what society dictates. I make my own rules and I'm just playing the system to get Eyal, my love, over to the US with me. We won't have rings, I might not change my last name, we won't turn into cogs of society."

After we got married, however, new meaning came to the idea. Being congratulated by all our friends and family, and receiving their heartfelt best wishes for a long and happy life together - this really meant something to me. I felt a new-found sense of togetherness with my husband, as if I'm holding a delicate flower in my hand (our relationship), and I must do my absolute best to care for it, treasure it, observe its growth.

Me and my groom

Maybe, in the end, marriage means exactly the same to me as it does to society at large. But I feel like I came to this feeling on my own, and that's what really matters. (Although we don't have rings, and I didn't change my last name... but maybe one day we will do both, who knows?)

Are you married? What is your opinion about marriage? Please share in the comments!