YES:
Love and commitment — wanting a lifelong partner.
Desire for companionship — not wanting to go through life alone.
Stability and trust — marriage formalizes a dependable bond.
Building a family — wanting children within a stable structure.
Deepening intimacy — emotional, romantic, even spiritual closeness.
Shared values and cultural expectations — some cultures place high value on marriage.
Family pressure or encouragement — parents or relatives may view marriage as a milestone.
Social recognition — marriage can legitimize the relationship in society.
Religious beliefs — many religions consider marriage a sacred duty.
Financial benefits — tax advantages, shared expenses, pooled assets.
Healthcare and insurance — easier access to spouse benefits.
Immigration or residency purposes — legal path to stay in a country.
Household efficiency — sharing responsibilities and resources.
Retirement benefits — Social Security spousal benefits, pensions.
Emotional support system — someone in your corner through life’s ups and downs.
Shared life goals — building something meaningful together.
Motivation and accountability — a partner can help you grow as a person.
Desire for a structured life — some people like the clarity and stability.
Celebration of partnership — wedding as a meaningful ritual.
Creating a legacy — family, children, shared accomplishments.
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NO:
Not ready for long-term commitment — emotionally or mentally.
Unresolved personal issues — trauma, insecurity, or instability.
Fear of losing independence — some people value autonomy deeply.
Different life goals — career, lifestyle, or children preferences misaligned.
High conflict relationship — marriage won’t fix existing problems.
Financial risk — divorce can be extremely costly.
Debt issues — partner’s debt becomes a burden.
Asset protection — keeping wealth separate.
Better tax situation when single — especially for high earners.
Alimony exposure — especially dangerous if incomes differ.
Preference for freedom — no legal or relational constraints.
Enjoy single life — independence, mobility, fewer compromises.
Career focus — marriage adds obligations and reduces flexibility.
Not wanting children — marriage often comes with that expectation.
Avoiding in-law complexities — family conflicts can be significant.
Divorce laws often unfavorable — depending on country/state.
Prenuptial agreements can be awkward or rejected.
Domestic responsibilities become legally enforced.
Complicated joint financial entanglements — accounts, property, taxes.
No longer necessary for social recognition — cohabitation widely accepted.
Social pressure is declining.
Some view marriage as outdated or unnecessary.
High divorce rates — globally 40–60% in many countries.
Longevity has changed marriage — a 50+ year commitment is very long.
People change significantly over decades — personal evolution mismatches.
Avoiding emotional pain from divorce.
Avoiding emotional dependence.
Avoiding being trapped in a bad marriage — especially if leaving is costly.
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Check List:
Do I truly enjoy this person’s company long-term, not just short-term romance?
Can we talk openly about difficult issues without fear?
Is the relationship stable, not on-and-off?
Do I feel respected, valued, and emotionally safe?
Do I trust this person fully?
Are our values aligned (money, honesty, work ethic, family)?
Do we want the same lifestyle (city vs. suburbs, quiet vs. social)?
Do we agree on whether to have children or not?
Do our financial habits match (saving, spending, risk tolerance)?
Do we handle stress and conflict in compatible ways?
Do I understand their income, debt, savings, and spending habits?
Is either person financially dependent in a way that creates risk?
Do we have a plan for protecting assets (prenup, separate accounts, trusts)?
Will marriage improve or worsen my financial position?
Are we aligned on retirement expectations?
Are we aligned on where to live long-term?
Do we share similar expectations for work-life balance?
Do we want similar levels of travel, social life, and family involvement?
Have we discussed aging, caregiving, and health expectations?
Do I understand the legal consequences of marriage in my state?
Do I know the costs/risks if the marriage ends (divorce, alimony, asset division)?
Will marriage complicate or simplify things like estate planning and healthcare access?
Should I consult a lawyer before marrying?
Have we experienced real stress together (job loss, illness, conflict)?
Did we handle it as a team, or did it tear us apart?
Do we recover quickly after disagreements?
Do we both apologize and take responsibility?
Do I still feel like myself in this relationship?
Can I keep my personal independence, friends, hobbies, and goals?
Am I marrying because I want to — not because of loneliness, pressure, or fear?
Ask yourself honestly:
Am I marrying out of love, or out of convenience?
Am I afraid of being alone?
Am I trying to fix problems by marrying? (Warning sign)
Would I still choose this person if nothing changed in the next 20 years?
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