According to the CDC, literally half the people that get married end up getting a divorce. Most people that read that fact think only about the 50/50 chance that their marriage will end in divorce...why do people not think about the 50/50 chance that their marriage will last. I do not think I have ever heard anyone say "Well I got a 50/50 chance that my marriage will last until death do us part." I always hear "end in divorce".
I grew up in a home where there were no men. My Grandmother was divorced because Grampa was a ho:) My mother was young when she had me so we lived with my Grandmother and two aunts. My mom's first marriage failed but I don't remember that guy...her second marriage happened when I was 7 years old and she is still married to my step dad 22 years later. They have been through every possible storm of life and are still standing by each other and that makes me happy and gives me hope.
To me and my husband, being married is the best. It feels good to have someone that is committed to me and our family and who is actually more comfortable and confident in our relationship now that we are married. The break up factor is not there anymore...because with being married you just can't break up without it costing an arm and a leg. It is an amazing feeling to look at my husband and see all the love in the world in his eyes, and to feel all of that love for him as well. Our marriage is intense and beautiful and I hope it stays that way. Him and I love the stability and the commitment that comes with being married. We both took our vows very seriously and plan to enforce them until the day we die.
We never wanted to get married until we met each other, we were like most young people and assumed it was a waste of time. I hear alot of people say "It's just a piece of paper". I used to say that too, until I met someone that made the concept of marriage much clearer. Marriage is much more than "just a piece of paper". It is a joining of two souls that were meant to be together. It is knowing with everything in you that this person is who you want beside you when you are fighting the battles of life. Marriage is dedicating yourself to just one person in all ways and knowing that no other man/woman means anything to you compared to the one you are married to/going to marry.
Don't get me wrong, my husband and I have our days where we argue like everyone else. That is a part of living with another person, I do not think there is a couple out there that has never quarreled with each other.
I am hoping that I can still say all of this 20 years from now. It is rare to see an old married couple happy together. But boy when you do....it is simply magical to see two old people who have been married for a coons age and still giggling and kissing and loving each other...enjoying one another. All of the memories they share together, watching their grand children and great grandchildren. It sounds very pleasant and peaceful and I am looking forward to those years on the porch sitting in a rocking chair being old with my husband...watching the grandchildren play and listen to our children complain about the same crap we complain about now.
Marriage can be an amazing journey, to walk through life with someone that is in love with you and dedicated to the relationship. The important factors in a marriage are trust, communication, loyalty, respect, and Love. When things get tough talk it out...respect each others feelings and personal space. Weather it is your first, second, eighth, or tenth marriage...enjoy each other and love each other.
To those of you who are married...good luck and I hope your marriage grows and thrives as the years pass. For those of you thinking about getting married...do not rush into this, thing long and hard about your decision and make sure you are willing to dedicate yourself to your significant other for life. Do not think "oh well if it does not work out i can just get a divorce". That is not how marriage is supposed to work. If you think your marriage will just end in divorce then you should not get married right now.
