by Ann E. Smith

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 09, 2009

Relationships are tough, with high divorce rates reflecting that. In a society in which many couples are choosing to live together and even have kids without getting married, one may wonder if marriage is even necessary.

As an institution that is thousands of years old, marriage has certainly been around a long time. It seems that almost every society and religion has found value in the partnership called marriage.

And it is the belief of many that marriage is still hugely important, as a firm commitment by both parties to a relationship and as the cornerstone of a nuclear family.

While there are many doubters, there are just as many people who can speak to the importance of marriage. Below are several strong arguments as to why get married.

* Marriage seals a union in the eyes of the state and God.

Marriage is a legal institution, and one that brings certain civil benefits in the eyes of the state. Married couples share in medical and tax benefits that non-married couples do not necessarily get. They have other legal rights as a couple as well.

For those who are Jewish or Christian, the Bible recognizes marriages as a sacred institution. It is a way of sealing a commitment between two people before their family members, their community and God. And in religious communities, marriage is encouraged prior to a couple having children.

* Marriage firms up a commitment.

When two people are committed to one another, then marriage is the ultimate way to show the degree of that dedication. Marriage makes things more official. And it makes a union between two people seem more serious.

Oftentimes, couples who live together act as if they are truly committed. Yet when problems come along, it is far easier for a guy, for example, to move out if there is no marriage in place.

A divorce is far more complicated and expensive to pursue. As a result, married couples are often more likely to try to sort through their problems than to throw in the towel when they hit their first rough patch.

* Marriage enhances a person's life.

A good marriage enhances a person's life. If one that is built on a solid foundation, it will teach a person a great deal about love, compassion, patience, kindness and compromise.

* Marriage is a strong foundation for a family.

For those who want to have children, it is wise to build the foundation of the family through a marriage. The bond of marriage will help a couple unify. Once married, they will likely start addressing day-to-day life, and they will get a better idea of how they want to rear a family.

* Marriage is a great expression of love.

Finally, marriage is a great expression of love. It lets the world know that you are solely devoted to someone. It is a way to take a special relationship to a whole new level.

Marriage makes both the husband and the wife feel more secure in a relationship. And it serves as a recognition of a planned future between two people, which is hugely important.

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