by Kenny L. Mitchell

Created on: September 27, 2009

It has been wisely said, "There is nothing to fear but feat itself." Fear however, is a natural reaction to a situation where the outcome or determining factors are unknown. Only a fool would walk into a lion's den empty handed. So must we use the same analogy in terms of the great mystery known simply today as "marriage"

Marriage is essentially the joining of two (traditionally) heterosexual or becoming more common (homosexual) joining of person's willing to commit exclusively to each other until death (gulp) separates them. It should be noted that there are so many other factors that derail the train to happily ever after. But first lets look at the prime reasons for marriage itself.

Love, is usually used to orchestrate the symphony of marriage. It's would seem as if those who are in love would see it as the natural transition in their relationship. Of course, (usually) women are more prone to wish marriage upon themselves (and their hapless mate) than males are (although some are also prone to this ideology). Since they were little girls, women have been indoctrinated with the stale morality that encourages them to become Mrs. instead of Miss or (forbid) Ms. In today's society despite progressive roles (Hilary Clinton ran for president, in spite of her husband already handled this job) women find themselves being told to adopt to the 1950's idea that they should still sit home and indulge in raising 2.3 kids, and have time for their husband as well. How a career minded woman can resign herself to this lifestyle is anyone's guess. But in spite of the HUGE leaps by todays more progressive female

Religion also plays a marriage role in terms of marriage. Whether you are Christian, Agnostic, Muslim, Jewish, or even atheist, the reflection of one's spiritual beliefs (or lack of) help cement the concept of marriage on couples. If one doesn't wish to fry in whatever proverbial afterlife your religion indoctrinates, it would be seen as foolish as well as a sin, to not relinquish you single hooded nature.

But ultimately fear can play the biggest factor in terms of remaining single or being married. On one hand, no one wants to end their days with no kids, family or loved one at their side. This is true for many people despite the religious, racial, economic or various backgrounds. Fear may keep us in the single clubs, but it's the fear of going home alone forever that may make us cash in our chips for good.

In conclusion, fear is truly a determining factor, but it shouldn't remain the sole reason. Marriage isn't for everyone, but to come to a fair conclusion about the matter, one must talk to their partner (they may not believe in marriage either) and do some deep sole searching. At the end of the day marriage is a major undertaking. Even if you decide to remain single because of your "fear" of marriage, it should never be the sole purpose of making the ultimate step.

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