Til Death Do "Us" Part?

What an interesting concept. One that before now, has never made me question so much, the concept of necessary blind faith embedded in the acceptance of this statement, that has been not only been repeated, but basically, like an appendage, has been attached to just about every set of wedding vows, heard across various religious or ethnic groups. Who's idea was it, anyway; that in some form or another, anyone vowing to assume another person as a significant other, should continue with this person, no matter what sick discovery about them you should make, during the course of the relationship, "till death do you part" or for "as long as you both shall live," or however else it is stated?

Perhaps, this statement is most revered by people who don't stop to consider that this person they are vowing to attach themselves to, like an everlasting "ball and chain," is just not "till death do us part" material. Sure that's something you should consider before you decide to take those vows, but does anyone know the future? Gee, that crystal ball would come in handy on the first few dates wouldn't it? The fact is, nobody knows who they're getting hitched to. (Not really.) Sure, you'd like to think you know that person. And that this person emitting this wonderful personality, that has you seeing stars every time he flashes that pearly white smile is the person you have no doubt you can spend the rest of your life with. But then it happens! That foreign and unfamiliar characteristic rears it's ugly head! That particular something about this individual that totally hid itself from you! Before the dates, and before the "I do's." That something that leaves your eyes stretched, and that inner voice in your head, (yeah, the one who knows you VERY well), speaking very loudly as it asks you, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING WHEN YOU MARRIED THIS GUY?!!!!"

I wonder how much time there was between the adoption of the phrase "till death do us part" and the institution of a bill of divorcement!!