Marriage used to seem like a given after a certain point in a relationship. Recently, more and more couples are opting out of the tradition of marriage. Nowadays, people avoid tying the knot for several reasons – such as stress, finances, and societal pressure. There’s no right way to define your relationship, especially if you don’t believe in the institution of marriage. But there are some benefits to tying the knot you and your partner should consider before throwing the concept of marriage out the window.
Marriage is a HUGE step, so why do it?
- Power of Commitment
As crazy as this may sound, getting the law involved in your relationship defines commitment and increases longevity. Taking things to the next level shows a specific degree of commitment to one another that can’t be compared to any other casual arrangement. And having this kind of security in a relationship can help you and your partner flourish and grow.
- Defines the Relationship
Formal dating culture seems to have fallen out of popularity in favor of things like hookup culture and polyamory. For this very reason, it can be very hard to understand where exactly your relationship stands. In an age where people are not used to defining their relationships, getting married can provide in your relationship that is perhaps missing without the title.
- Legal Benefits
Married couples have the right to a tax deduction, the ability to jointly file taxes, Social Security benefits, IRA benefits, health insurance benefits, inheritance benefits, among many others. While these things may seem abstract and legalese, these benefits can be lifesavers in the event of death, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Longevity
Believe it or not, marriage is correlated with living longer (especially for men). Studies have shown that married men tend to live longer than single men, or men in less defined relationships. Why? Because they are more likely to create and stick to their medical appointments. Additionally, married people have more emotional support than their single counterparts – benefiting their mental and physical health.