Benefits Of Marriage

[FredPuli43]

The government has the idea of giving tax breaks for married couples. It will be £150. Don't all rush! Which of you think that marriage is important, more important than simply being a committed, but unmarried, loving couple ?

[jim360]

I don't agree with the tax break, but marriage seems to me to be worthwhile. I'd have thought it was a good thing to be in a loving relationship and also to make it formal by acknowledging that to each other and to the "rest of the world". But the most important thing is to stay together if it's a healthy relationship, or leave if not, and be a) happy and b) stable if you are having kids.

[ummmm]

I think marriage is very important.

[LoftyLottie]

I do too!

[DJHawkes]

is it just for those that are married or those that are living together as though they were married? what is the idea behind it?

[pixie373]

I don't think marriage should be "encouraged". It's either right for you or it isn't. It's a personal decision. I actually think a lot of people go into it too lightly. If you have to live apart for 2 years to get divorced, you should have to live together for 2 years to get married.
I think the right person is far more important than the piece of paper.

[craft1948]

Despite my track record I think marriage is important, it signifies commitment, at least at the time. Unfortunately I think nowadays it is very easy to end a marriage without any real reason.

[sara3]

I think marriage is important for first-time-arounders.

maybe if my Mr Right ever comes out of hiding, I'll change my mind. I'd be quite happy with being in a good relationship. marrying again seems unimportant right now.

[LoftyLottie]

It's up to the couple, but the tax break is a stupid idea. Personally, I agree with marriage, but not for financial reasons

[jacklee]

Marriage is important only if you take you promise seriously - particularly 'for richer or poorer' and 'til death do us part'.
That's why we will be celebrating our 66th anniversary this Friday.
Bought her a nice gold link bracelet but keeping it a secret.
Sadly my wife is in a nursing home but I visit 6 days a week - she insists I have a 'day off'!
We have a lovely family and great support.

[LoftyLottie]

Jack congratulations on your 66 years. Your wife will love her surprise - she's a lucky lady. I hope you have a wonderful day together. You may our 41 years sound very short. Best wishes to you both.

[LoftyLottie]

I do agree with you Craft. No relationship can ever be perfect and so many people these days just opt out of living together as soon as things go slightly wrong. I also think that too many people drift from one living together relationship to another too easily. In fact they seem to go into living together far too quickly.

[lilacben]

I havnet heard anything about this but jacklee what a lovely man you are. Congratulations on your anniversary. I hope you have a great day with your wife. We are only babies as only 42 years next month.

[FredPuli43]

Don't know what to say Jack "Well done!" suggests overcoming in a lifetime of battles! (Sadly it was my first thought, lol ). My best wishes to you both (and to you and your spouse, Lottie, you beginners you).

On topic, I think anyone who believes that a marriage certificate is only a bit of paper ought to become better acquainted with the laws of this country. Intestacy, tax laws,property laws, divorce laws, all laws are against them or, otherwise, none are in their favour.

But I'd never be bribed into getting married by £15O. £40, 000 a year might do it, but £150? Pah!

[Smowball]

jacklee, thats an incredibly long time. will put most relationships to shame x

[baza]

benefits should be the same as the increase the mp's are getting, but only after ten years of wedlock.
That should stir things up.

[DaisyNonna]

Jack, hope you and Minnie have a lovely anniversary. The bracelet sounds great. ♥ Gxxx

[AB Editor]

Congratulations Jacklee.

You really should share your secrets to a long marriage with us :-)

[jno]

given that hundreds of thousands of women have children every year in order to sponge off the state (it must be true, I read it on AB), this would be a very positive step towards getting the entire population married pronto. Also, they could bring back the ten-pound-pom scheme to reduce the population, if Australia don't mind.

[factor-fiction]

I was interested to see the latest statistics on births- in 2012 48% of children were born outside marriage compared to only 5% in the 1950s. I'm not sure if that's a problem or not but it's a huge social change. Until I started teaching i hadn't realised how many children have brothers and sisters from different parents and had different surnames from parents and siblings

[LoftyLottie]

Glad the Ed. has make this a sticky, especially in view of Jack Lee's lovely posting yesterday. What an achievement!