TheNightKing
J.A.P.A.N.
That legality and paperwork means a lot though, at least in the eyes of the law and taxes.True.
But from my experience...the same can be said about married folks bashing folks who aren't married. Which is why I brought up the whole stigma thing.
PLENTY or times I've gotten drilled about why I haven't gotten married. What am I waiting for. Etc. etc. So I've asked them "Take away the legality/paperwork...how is it any different from a long-term relationship?" Most of the responses I've gotten is along the lines of "join the club" type responses. No real answer.
So I think that's why now a lot of folks are saying "Well if we can do just about everything married folks can do (ie. kids...income...living together...being committed to each other)...then why do we need to get married? Just to have it legally paper?"
I think religion plays a big part of it as well. Growing up...a lot of us was raised to believe you had to get married if you get pregnant. Or shackin up a no no. Nowdays...it's seems like religion no longer holds that weight over folks heads. Folks either have their doubts or follow their own path.
And as far as married folks bashing non-married folks, I think that’s more generational based than marriage based. Older folks will bash you for it, but your married peers will most likely envy certain aspects of your single life, even if they are happily married.