What is marriage? I think most people would agree marriage is an institution. It is a publicly sworn commitment between two people. What marriage does is it subtracts. It takes two individuals and turns them into one. Marriage is a compromise, a give and take, that should make both individuals happy. Marriage should make both parties involved better than they were when they were alone. Most importantly in marriage both individuals should be willing share everything, including themselves, with one another.
             Now that I've provided a fairly decent definition of marriage I wonder what the purpose of marriage is anyway? How does it benefit those married and society as a whole? I feel marriage is essential for our society to be happy and healthy. In most cases marriages make people better and better people make a better society. Marriage is also very important when thinking of the next generation. We must procreate for our species to survive, and while marriage is not necessary for that(believe me, I am a perfect example, I'm not married and I have a 2 year old daughter) it certainly helps with keeping our species alive and well. Besides for theses obvious statements about the purpose of marriage there are other reasons marriage is good for society. Marriages help can order in our society. In many cases two individuals, who if not married, would be busy keeping up houses or apartments themselves as well as providing financial support for their lifestyles can, when married, share these responsibilities. By sharing the responsibilities it makes it easier for both people to be better members of society and contribute more for the good of the whole. Other advantages include a feeling a fulfillment and fullness as a person. No one wants to be lonely and marriage, when good, takes care of the need. Overall, I just think that marriage makes people happier and happier more satisfied people make a better society.(not t...