Today, the institution of marriage is more relevant than ever before. Because it is no longer a matter of arrangement, Americans are free to marry for all the right reasons. Sadly, many people are opting not to marry at all and instead cohabitate or engage in casual sex. Couples who do not make marriage their ultimate goal are missing out; the best way to love someone is in the context of a lifelong commitment.

While many gripe about the divorce rate, it’s the belief in marriage’s irrelevancy that is destroying it. In a society that promotes promiscuity and the mockery of marriage, couples are stumbling upon the altar on a whim rather than purposefully pursuing it. Marriages fail or fail to take place because the institution has been unjustly resorted to a piece of paper, but I’m here to discuss its vital importance.

One benefit of marriage is that it promotes planning within a romantic partnership. A couple who thinks about their relationship in stages (i.e. dating, marriage, parenthood) will likely exercise more caution in terms of family planning and how to work romantic goals around their educations and careers; they maturely plan out their futures rather than go with the uncertain flow of cohabitation or casual sex.

Another virtue of marriage is that it attempts to regulate sex in society. While many argue otherwise, humans are meant for monogamy—one indication is the rampancy of sexually transmitted diseases, which are fueled by promiscuity.

Even the human body is biologically wired for monogamy. During intimacy, a woman experiences higher levels of oxytocin, which is called the “bonding” hormone due to its contribution to maternal and romantic bonding—because of this, there is indication many women unwittingly become emotionally attached to men they are with and distress can result from sudden separation.

Marriage harnesses in the cons of casual sex, and it also provides stability for any future offspring. Studies consistently show that children belonging to traditional households are more financially stable, among other positives.

These benefits generally cannot be achieved through cohabitation. Marriage legally binds a couple in name and material possessions; it’s a conscious, public declaration that they aspire to be together for life. Cohabitation is void of any binding factors, thus making it very easy to leave at any given moment.

I agree that love is love, and two people do not need a marriage license to prove they care for each other—they simply need it to show them the best possible way to see that love through.

To read the opposing side, click here!