Why do people feel the need to get married? What does standing in front of each other, in front of family, friends and other assorted loved ones actually accomplish? Do we actually love each other more after taking those vows? We were more likely to stray, be unhappy at some point or breakup before those sacred vows were spoken to each other? Doesn't marriage actually put more of a strain on our relationships? Don't we feel more of a need to live up to people's expectations once there is actually a commitment that has taken place? People expect us to give marriage a chance, a real chance, if you have problems you work through them, you work extra hard to make 'it' work, which can put more of a strain on the relationship. Before you got married, if you were having problems and it got too much walking away would be alot easier. No marriage is a bed of roses and nor should it be, you have to work at relationships, it is very much a two way street and there has to be give and take on both sides. The only thing that matters is that you're falling asleep in the arms of the one that fills your world with joy, makes you laugh every day, would do anything for you and that you would be utterly totally and completely lost without. At the end of the day, marriage is, in reality, just a piece of paper, signed by both parties, a contract. Yes it is a commitment, but I don't believe that you need to stand up in front of a bunch of people to achieve that commitment. The commitment after all, is between yourself and your beloved....no one else.