Is marriage too old-school?
I'm 26 years of age and I'm getting married to my best friend next month. So clearly I'm no expert on the issue. But I have definitely grown up in a generation that doesn't seem as fussed about the age-old tradition, to the extent that it maybe doesn't carry the same meanings & values as it has in times past.
This fact however, has led me to believe that marriage has found new meaning and significance in a way that is perhaps deeper & more cherished. Maybe marriage is more romantic and exciting than ever? From what I've observed about earlier perspectives, people were asked, "why wouldn't you get married?", as though it was socially expected. Today however, someone in my shoes is asked, "why on earth are you?", as though it's an odd thing.
My fiancé put marriage this way to me, "No longer is it out of duty or because it is the done thing, but it is born out of total love and a deep sense of wanting to commit your life forever to one person". One thing I've found quite striking, is that every time I tell the story of how I proposed to her, people frequently respond out of surprise whilst eluding to the fact that 'people just don't do that these days'. The manner in which i courted her, the receiving of her father's blessing before i bought the ring- all this to me seemed beautiful, sacred, and passionate.
I'm not trying to wave the flag of being a romantic or of suggesting one way is better, but rather the thought that not all traditions and practices that are old are necessarily outdated. Although my generation may bork at the idea of being with one person for life, my fiancé seems to like the idea. Which is good for me, because I intend on promising to be with her until death do us part.
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