While I’m with Ed and Grim-Eyes. But then, I’ve never been a practical one. The thought of contracts gives me the shivers. >.>
Still, it is good that the wombats have found a system that works for them. That’s rare, and rather wonderful.
But… marriage is a legal contract. It sets out the terms (to be faithful) and the conditions (in sickness and in health) and the length of the term of agreement (’til death do you part).
Heh, you know guys, historically, marriage served a political purpose first, a social one second, an economic one third, and, maybe, if there was room and some time to spare, a personal, romantic one last. Big maybe :p
If anything, the Wombats’ nonbinding contract is a vast improvement. Of course, Wombats aren’t wholly monogamous in the first place, so even the idea of lifelong companionship would seem a bit out of place from the perspective of instinct. Then again – there’s no way to be certain, but it’s entirely possible that humans aren’t naturally monogamous either, so maybe that’s irrelevant.
If I ever get married, it probably won’t be because I’m in love with someone. Okay, it probably will be with someone I’m in love with, but I see no reason why I should have a legal contract to cement my feelings for someone. I anticipate only ever getting married when the benefits that come from legal coupling become relevant to my life. And since I’m horribly unsuited to being a parent, that could well never happen.
*snort*
Well, I reckon I’m kind of with Grim Eyes here. Wish I weren’t, maybe, but that’s neither here nor there. 😉
Having kids should be a delicate balance of romance and pragmatism, IMHO.
What, you can’t love and be practical at the same time? I’m with Digger on this one!
While I’m with Ed and Grim-Eyes. But then, I’ve never been a practical one. The thought of contracts gives me the shivers. >.>
Still, it is good that the wombats have found a system that works for them. That’s rare, and rather wonderful.
But… marriage is a legal contract. It sets out the terms (to be faithful) and the conditions (in sickness and in health) and the length of the term of agreement (’til death do you part).
(sigh) unfortunately, marriage is a contract, but it should never fall to that level…in the best of worlds, no relationship would ever fall so low.
(sigh)
Heh, you know guys, historically, marriage served a political purpose first, a social one second, an economic one third, and, maybe, if there was room and some time to spare, a personal, romantic one last. Big maybe :p
If anything, the Wombats’ nonbinding contract is a vast improvement. Of course, Wombats aren’t wholly monogamous in the first place, so even the idea of lifelong companionship would seem a bit out of place from the perspective of instinct. Then again – there’s no way to be certain, but it’s entirely possible that humans aren’t naturally monogamous either, so maybe that’s irrelevant.
If I ever get married, it probably won’t be because I’m in love with someone. Okay, it probably will be with someone I’m in love with, but I see no reason why I should have a legal contract to cement my feelings for someone. I anticipate only ever getting married when the benefits that come from legal coupling become relevant to my life. And since I’m horribly unsuited to being a parent, that could well never happen.