All of the discussion as to whether marriage is primarily a legal or romantic institution aside, I have to say that for me marriage is definitely NOT outdated. On November 25, it will be 33 years since I married my high school sweetheart, my best friend, my life partner. December 27 will be the 40th anniversary of our first date. Our marriage has survived 22 years as JWs, not having children (primarily because of being JWs), and numerous other rough spots that don't need to be enumerated here. She's into Tai Chi, I am not. She's into gardening, I'm not. I'm a born again Christian, she's not. I'm into computers, she's getting there :)
We both enjoy good food, good wine, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, motorcycling and camping together. How many other wives would be thrilled with a good Buck knife for an anniversary present or a motorcycle for Christmas?
For those of you have had to endure failed marriages, I don't really know what to say except, I'm sorry. I'm not totally ignorant when it comes to failed marriages. Many of the young couples that became JWs when we did in the early 1970s are now divorced. My Mom and Dad were on the verge of divorce when I was in my early 20's (the same time I became a JW). Presently, I am the only one of four siblings that is married. My brother is twice divorced and has been living with his SO for several years. One sister is divorced and living with her SO for several years. My other sister recently broke off with the father of her daughter, whom she never married, after 26 years.
What makes the difference? I don't know all the factors. I do know that a commitment to each other and a commitment to the institution of marriage when the commitment to each other seems hopeless is important. We probably could have divorced on a number of occasions and for a number of reasons, but we didn't. Now, in our mid-50's we are enjoying life and each other more than ever.
My wife read this, and approves this message :)
