There is so much about "Marriage" not just living together that is good for society and or government and I can't help but think that is why there remain so many draconian social stigmas for not getting married. At its very core is the idea that marriage is a trap. It is hard to get out of and costly even now. It takes away you freedom to decide for yourself. It is stunning that anyone would consider it at all except for society pressure.

Getting married -- the ceremony -- is a STUNNING waste of money that continues to be pushed because it holds up an entire industry. A co worker of mine got married at city hall and her family was so upset they made her have a ceremony and paid for it. Why? Why? Yet today I am going to hear on TV another story about how people have no savings left for retirement. Even the most minimal ceremony can cost over 10K.

There is so much that government / society gets away with not doing because they push it off on spouses. Not enough parking at the station? Well. 1/2 of them can have their spouses drive them. Health care procedure that needs the person to be watched for 24 hours after... well, the spouse can do it. Before you are 20 years old you have already gotten the message that you are going to be at a practical disadvantage in many ways... if you don't find someone to be your "spouse". And that is why so many people cave and get married. Wanna run for office? Single... good luck with that. Want to be a foster parent and single... good luck with that.. want to adopt and be single... again good luck with that. It can be done but you are going to come under strict scrutiny because society as decided that if you are normal.. you show it by marrying someone once...

My favorite movie on this is Muriel's Wedding. It is such a in your face indictment of the marriage pressure in society.