Yvonne66: How importent is marriage really. Does it make a relationship better or is it an old fashion institution?
I've never been married and I don't really value it that much if we are to consider the divorce rates in Sweden and America. Too many people get married and give up on the relationship/marriage to quickly. It does not seem so sacred anymore.
Does it make a relationship better? Only if the couple believes so. Personally, staying married and overcoming adversity together in which the love, respect, and understanding for each other evolves over time would be a good indication that a marriage is a good one. A piece of paper does not magically make a relationship better. It may serve as an element of confirmation for the celebration of a couple's love and commitment, but it does not define the relationship...only time can do that.
It's really important to me and I just won't marry anyone. I'm fine with never getting married. It really does not make a difference to me. I say it's really important to me because my perspective on marriage is that it is a commitment...for better or worse. Meaning that divorce is not an option unless physical abuse is involved or infidelity. Marriage is meant forever, not a trial or some trend. Both individuals should be mature enough to handle adversity in a marriage and reach a sense of understanding. Too many times, adversity hits, and things only get worse because of various factors...or immaturity and selfishness in a nutshell.
Too many marry too soon, and too many divorce too soon. There seems to be a major problem in our society. Especially when most of the marriages in Sweden are happening when the kids are between 1-5 years old. Now that's another can of worms.