Raven

That 'little piece of paper' is a contract. It's both a written declaration of loving intent and a business relationship, plus a promise of lifetime commitment, all rolled into one piece of paper, sanctified by the state or the church or whatever religious beliefs people have and share. More importantly, it's sanctified and agreed upon by the two people entering into the agreement in the first place.

The intangible side of marriage includes defining what the parameters are and agreeing to abide by them......year after year, as people change and grow....as children either enter the dynamic mobile or leave the nest....it's the ability to accomodate and compromise.

Personally, I think marriage is always about adjusting....and talking to find a commonality of language both can relate to and understand.

Never assume and never presume. Oh yeah...and never say never...

I believe that marriage is not outdated; but, people's expectations are unrealistic. After the honeymoon, women do fart and men don't shave. Vomit and diarrhea are a reality, as are clothes piled near the laundry basket and someone is never doing their job the fantasy set of expectations........Don't dream marriage. Live it.

One tip that always works. Don't force one to use a certain brand of toothpaste just because you do.

__________________