One of the biggest decisions we make in life is marriage. Although our entire future can depend on that decision, it is more likely made on an emotional rather than a rational level. At best, there can be tremendous internal conflict.
While our heart is yearning to spend the rest of our life with the love of our life, we may rationally hesitate. We have been through too many bad relationships, and our brain is screaming, “Absolutely not again.”
There are considerable pros and cons to getting married. Let’s take a look at the usual responses.
PRO: Let’s get married right away:
- Life can be difficult, and it is better when shared with someone special.
- Marriage isn’t about perfection; it is about making a wise decision.
- Spiritually bonding with a special person is what life is about.
- I know the divorce rate is over 50 percent, but I am sure my marriage will be a success.
- I want children, and children need a stable home with a mom and a dad who are married.
CON: I’m not prepared to become a statistic:
- I can enjoy a relationship without marriage.
- If my marriage ends in divorce, as the statistics indicate it might, I don’t want to go through an expensive legal hassle. If I just live with someone, breaking up is much easier.
Making Your Marriage Work – Maybe
A married couple usually has greater financial security and can share in the task of raising the children. Study after study has found that having a father present has tremendous benefits for youngsters. When being raised in a heterosexual environment, the children are exposed to both male and female influences.
It has also been proven that married people live longer. Although an anti-marriage person would argue that most people simply choose healthier mates who would naturally enjoy a longer life span.
No decision is more important as to whether to marry. While there is no right answer, the above is merely a sample of all the issues that should be considered.
Follow the Money
There is little arguing that marriage has financial benefits. Two incomes paying the bills are better than one. Should one partner lose his or her income, there is always the other person’s paycheck to act as a safety net.
A married couple may or may not benefit taxwise. Some couples may find themselves with certain deductions while others won’t. A surviving spouse does have a claim on 50 percent of the deceased spouse’s Social Security. These matters can become complex and are best discussed with a qualified accountant.
For financial reasons, it is to a couple’s benefit to tie the knot.
Personal Health
Studies have found that being married brings with it certain health benefits. There is a greater chance of surviving cancer when married. Married couples also enjoy better cardio health.
On the other hand, unhappy marriages can cause stress and anxiety and increase health problems. A single person may keep in better shape through exercise and a healthy diet to attract someone into his or her life. Interestingly, a study determined that more than a quarter of married people enjoyed better sleep when they had the bed to themselves. And sleeping in one’s own bed does eliminate the problem of having a partner who snores.
It seems there can be instances when a single person enjoys better health than a married one.
Conclusion:
Whether you are single or married, it is a toss-up which situation is better for you. It depends on individual circumstances. However, there is a level of comfort and security that a good marriage provides that is lacking in the single life. Marriage comes with an automatic partner who is there during stressful times, and that can affect many aspects of a person’s life.
When it comes to financial matters, it seems that being married and having two incomes is a clear and decided advantage.
The legal process can get difficult, which is why we always recommend that you seek the assistance of counsel; or at least have a consultation. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today to review the issues of your case, the legal options you may have, and certain rights that pertain to your unique situation.
Have more questions? Let us know by sending an email to: questions@legallotus.legal and we will do our best to develop content to provide you with direction and insight!
For more information:
Check out and subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Visit our website
Shop our Legal Templates
No Attorney-Client Relationship or Legal Advice: Communication of information by, in, to or through this Website and your receipt or use of it: (1) is not provided in the course of and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship; (2) is not intended as a solicitation; (3) is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice; and (4) is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel on you specific matter. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon Web site communications or advertisements. Feel free to contact us if you need legal assistance.