Why do people think less of a couple who aren't married?

Piggywiggy

Just curious really as to why some people think you aren't serious about your relationship if you aren't married.

j.e.j.

Marriage shows commitment, and it also gives you legal protection.

You can be in a "serious relationship" (whatever that means), without being married, but it's not the same.

missbiggles1

I don't think that unmarried couples aren't serious in their relationships but, for me, marriage is the final step and it seems that some hold back from taking it.

System

Marriage is that final stage and crossing the finish line so to speak. Showing each other and your friends and family that you come as a team and are moving forward in life together as a married couple.

Personally the difference between marriage and being in a relationship isn't that great. I'm committed and love my OH all the time. Don't need the piece of paper to prove it.

We get married in October and I told my OH the other day that to me getting married won't change anything.

She wasn't pleased.

Let me edit that. We were getting married in October

Kaye1

I suppose there is the thought that you could wake up one day, walk away and that is it.
I guess with marriage you are 'tied' together legally.
I don't really know!

KateBob

Having a joint mortgage is more of a tie and harder to get out of than a marriage.


I've been married for 14 years and still view it as no more than extra legal protection for both of us and the kids.


I did however enjoy my wedding and reception greatly and would do it again!


Also who are these people judging others relationships based on marriage, certainly not people I speak to!

Rambosmum

I was adamant for years that we wouldn't get married, I didn't see the point. But people certainly do view you differently, I don't see why. I am now more committed to my OH now than I was a year ago. The reason we did it that I was insistent that any children had my name, he wanted them to have his name. Now we have the same name.

lazer

Marriage is about committing to your relationship for life (although people do divorce - but its much more difficult than ending a relationship if not married)

No one thinks less of a couple who aren't married, they just think differently.
If a couple is married you know they are committed for life, if they are with a partner, then you don't know how serious the relationship is, they may be in for life, alternatively they may not.

I used to think that if a couple was living together it was akin to being married and it was for life, but nowadays people move in together after just a few months and just see what happens.

Basically, i think the difference is if a couple are married you know the status of their relationship, if they aren't married you don't - they could have been with their OH for 2 months, 2 years, or 2 decades.

A unmarried couple also don't have the legal protection marriage provides

Joanthebone

People walk out of marriages every day! I don't think any less of a couple who don't have a bit of paper !

Georgiegirl256

Piggywiggy wrote: »

Just curious really as to why some people think you aren't serious about your relationship if you aren't married.

People who aren't married are still serious about their relationships, I don't really know how anyone can say different tbh? Do these people who see fit to judge really know the ins and outs of a persons relationship? No, no they don't.

However, as has already been pointed out, it does bring legal protection that those who aren't married don't receive. Although there are ways of going about sorting that out if you're really against marriage.

Anyone who judges and deems a persons relationship to be inferior just because they aren't married, is very shallow indeed IMO.

Georgiegirl256

Rambosmum wrote: »

I am now more committed to my OH now than I was a year ago.

Really? That's interesting. Not having a go or anything, just that I find that strange, almost like saying you weren't really as committed before, but now you are.

I am as committed to my husband now as I was before marriage. It hasn't changed anything regarding my feelings or commitment towards him.