Til Death Do Us Part: 7 Reasons Why Marriage Will Never Be Obsolete

MarriageAccording to a study conducted by social scientists at the Pew Research Center in coordination with Time magazine, nearly four in 10 Americans think marriage is becoming obsolete. While these numbers are troubling, I view the study from a different perspective - six in 10 Americans still believe in the institution of marriage.

My wife and I have been married for over 15 years and we understand how difficult it is to make a marriage work. But we've decided to remain committed to each other and focus on the positive aspects.

As one of those six who still believe in marriage, here are my top 7 reasons why marriage will never be obsolete:


1. I don't have to date anymore - I have many single friends whose tales of the current dating scene frighten me. I don't believe that I could manage all of the online dating, speed dating, background checks, stalkers, etc. I'm glad I'm no longer out there.

2. Sex - Research has shown that married men have more sex than single men. I can validate their claims. Sex is richer within the context of marriage because the guilt and fear many people feel is replaced with trust and intimacy.

Related: 7 things I wish I knew about men before I got married

3. Someone other than my mother cares if I die - If not for my wife, I would never get any type of medical check-up. Since we've been married, she's forced me to get regular medical, dental, and eye exams. In addition, she limits my consumption of bad food and encourages me to exercise regularly.

4. I have a partner to raise my kids - I grew up in a single parent household and based on my experiences, I know that my kids benefit from having both parents in the same household. I couldn't even imagine how difficult life would be if I had to raise my kids without my wife.

5. We are unbeatable - Because of our knowledge of each other, our inside jokes, and our shared experiences, we are the board game champs. Our family and friends won't even allow us to be on the same team because we're so in sync with each other.

6. I have someone to listen to and support my crazy dreams - I have a tendency to come up with grandiose, outrageous ideas. Although she sometimes rolls her eyes when I express them to her, I know that I can count on my wife to give me her full support. Knowing that makes it easier for me to dream big.

7. Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money - Studies have also shown that married couples are more financially stable than the rest of the population. My wife and I encourage each other to be good stewards of our money by saving, giving, and spending wisely.

Experience has taught me that marriage is a long, perilous journey. Getting married is the simple part. Staying married takes work. Over the years, my wife and I have struggled during our marriage. But overcoming those struggles made our relationship stronger, intensified our love and devotion, and taught us how to keep our marriage relevant.

By Frederick J. Goodall
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