Why the mindset that being in a long-term relationship is the end of fun?

You bring up many good points. Personally, I don't see the point in getting married and involving the government into my love life. I don't believe that you need to have a piece of paper (and spend thousands of dollars) to prove your love for someone. It's weird because I remember being a young boy and idolizing marriage and kids. I've had uncles and cousins who've gotten married over the years and when the untimely divorce happens they end up paying alimony, the house (usually paid off), child support, and getting the kids. Most of the time it was the women who initiated the divorce as well, just liek you mentioned. When I ask women WHY they want to get married usually it's a vague reason like "I'm in love and this feels like the next step" or "I want to prove to everyone our love." There's nothing wrong with these reasons but they don't seem valid enough for me to want to go the extra mile and marry a woman.

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