marriage happens for many reasons, some better than others, and by "better" i mean better for the individuals involved. some marry to give their children a name and legal legitimacy. some marry because they've been raised to think that this is the "happily ever after" they've been taught their whole lives to seek. others marry because they belong to a religion that says this is how to live. but some people marry because without being married it is more difficult to have legal standing with regard to the other person, because hospital staff sometimes won't give you any information about the other person without looking up to see if your name is on a permission list, or make decisions about that person if necessary, because if the other person dies social security and the military and a whole host of other entities won't honor spouse benefits... lots of legal, financial stuff. and some people get married because they like the pretty wedding ceremony and want the nice prezzies.

g