The Perception of Marriage

Why do people think what they think about marriage?
I think there are several avenues that influence our perception of marriage. For instance what we experience growing up with our parents can make you think marriages can last forever OR they can make you think that they are doomed to failure and end in a divorce or worse. There is also the media and reality TV shows like The Bachelor that can sway your thoughts, or even statistics and seeing divorce rates increase throughout the years.

How can you make an informed decision?
Weigh the importance of each. What do you think is more important - personal experience, reality shows and the media, or statistics? My answer: Personal Experience.

Jonathan and I come from families where our parents are still together - over 25 years of being together. Out of my 100 close relatives, I only know of 3 divorces, two of which should have never been marriages to begin with because their values where complete opposite. No one is perfect but I think that when you are dating you get to see the quirks of your significant other. Coming from a neat and clean freak, at first I was afraid by Jonathan's messiness. I could not believe some of the things he did. When I first saw his "room" aka junk yard in college, I was afraid. Two and a half years later, he is still the same - unorganized, messy, and sloppy. Will he change? Probably not. Can I live with it? Oh yes I'm the super cleaner! :)

I'm not saying I am perfect either because I can pretty stubborn and a perfectionist, which is something he has had time to think about if he can put up with forever.

Marriage is a friendship, a partnership, someone to support you, cheer you on (and vice verse), and someone who you can truly be yourself with.