Why Get Married?

Although most have been overly supportive and excited about this marriage that is now 2 days away, there have been the stray few who have asked the question "why get married?" along with the "don't do it" cards in our words of wisdom box.

Maybe marriage isn't for everyone, or, maybe those in relationships who couldn't see themselves getting married just don't feel the way we do. I recently told a friend who was upset about having to miss our wedding shower due to a romantic getaway weekend with his girlfriend, that if he feels for her even a fraction of what I feel for Eric, that he needs to go, and that I understood. Having been in 4 long-term relationships before Eric, I understand the difference bewteen that cliche line "love but not in love", and the difference is huge. We often talk about how we thought we were in love before each other, and that once we met, it was like there was no such thing as love before us.

I am not afraid to be "in a relationship with a contract" as some have discribed marriage, because to me it is an honor. Someone loves me so much that they are willing to give themself to me; they're signing up to never give up, to work through every problem, to be there for each other in good times and in bad. So no, I'm no scared. I'm excited to see what the future has in store for us. To see what arguments we will get in and how we overcome them, and then, to look back on them and laugh at what probably was so small in the grand scheme of things. It's a comfort to know that I love someone more than I have loved anyone, and that he feels the same. And that there is no easy way out. We are leaving ourselves with no choice but to work through even the hardest of times, and come out stronger and even more deeply in love.

I hope that everyone has the chance to feel this way in their lives, and then maybe they will feel like marriage is for them. They won't be scared that there's no way out, and that it's forever - they'll feel comforted by it. I look forward to spending my life with you, Eric Dorschied, and in 2 days we will vow just this :)