Hello, Mark —

Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Well, it seems that you believe marriage is “only” for children whereas I believe that marriage doesn’t have to be “only” for children.

I think that’s what’s been brought out by this piece — understanding that many people have many different views of marriage, so the deal is to find someone who matches your belief.

If you meet an incredible person, and she wants to get married, but you don’t want kids so don’t want to get married, then you’ll simply be ok with her refusing to be with you because she has a different view of marriage.

So someone who believes marriage is only for children might be best with someone who believes the same.

If you view vows that way, or let vows represent a contract of ownership, I can completely why that view would make you and some others leery of those vows.

Me, I certainly won’t take any vows that represent any sort of ‘contract of ownership’. What you’ve written here is a good reminder to me to make sure that I and any future spouse agree on the meaning of the vows. Thank goodness we don’t have to believe they represent a contract.

Take care, Mark.

— Lee