Top 10 Reasons My Marriage Will Never Be Obsolete

I’m One of The Six

I recently read an article about a survey that says 4 in 10 Americans believe that marriage is obsolete. I’m definitely one of the other six, and here are the top 10 reasons why my marriage is a relevant, thriving, irreplaceable part of my life (in no particular order).

1. Guilt-free nookie: no worries about pregnancy, STDs, etc. What happens in our bedroom stays in our bedroom.
2. Kissing, hugging, holding hands & cuddling. Fred knows how I like to be held and kissed – no training necessary.
3. Fred willingly eats my cooking (as long as it isn’t Voila Chicken).  The kids may not appreciate my latest attempts to make a “Food Network” recipe but my hubby does even if it doesn’t come out exactly how I planned.
4. He loves the kids as much as I do, and knows when to tell them to “man-up” and when to give them a hug instead.
5. He is the keeper of the key to the vault. There are many things only Fred knows about me, so I’m thankful he’s not the talkative type.
6. Someone needs to have a good sense of direction, so thank God Fred has one.
7. Best tag-team partner ever. Whether it’s disciplining the kids, cooking or helping with homework, I know I can pass the baton to hubby. He’s got my back.
8. Par le vous me. Fred speaks my language. After 17 years of dating and marriage, Fred gets me. We have our own inside jokes, pillow talk and games we like to play from nearly two decades together.
9. The bills. I’m kidding, but not. There are real costs in terms of money and time to raising three kids, which is why it is nice to have a loving partner to share the juggling act that is parenthood.
10. A safe place. The world outside our door can be a tough place. I am thankful to have a place where I know I am loved and appreciated.

- Kim

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Marriage is a Better Deal Than Geico

According to a study conducted by social scientists at the Pew Research Center in coordination with Time magazine, nearly four in 10 Americans think marriage is becoming obsolete. While these numbers are troubling, I view the study from a different perspective – six in 10 Americans still believe in the institution of marriage.

As one of those six, here are my Top 10 Reasons Why My Marriage Isn’t Obsolete:

1. I don’t have to date anymore – I have many single friends whose tales of the current dating scene frighten me. I don’t believe that I could manage all of the online dating, speed dating, background checks, stalkers, etc. Dating was much simpler when I was single.
2. Sex – Research has shown that married men have more sex than single men. I can validate their claims. Sex is richer within the context of marriage because the guilt and fear many people feel is replaced with trust and intimacy.
3. Someone other than my mother cares if I die – If not for Kim, I would never get any type of medical check-up. Kim scheduled the first dental appointment of my life 10 years ago. Since we’ve been married, I’ve gotten regular medical, dental, and eye exams. In addition, she limits my consumption of pork rinds and encourages me to get some physical activity.
4. I have a partner to raise my kids – I grew up in a single parent household and based on my experiences, I know that my kids benefit from having both parents in the same household connected by the secure bond of matrimony. I couldn’t even imagine how difficult life would be if I had to raise my kids without Kim.
5. We can slaughter other couples at any game – Because of our knowledge of each other, our inside jokes, and our shared experiences, we are the board game champs. Our family and friends won’t even allow us to be on the same team because we’re so in sync with each other.
6. I have someone to listen to and support my crazy dreams – I have a tendency to come up with grandiose, outrageous ideas. Although she sometimes rolls her eyes when I express them to her, I know that I can count on Kim to give me her full support. Knowing that makes it easier for me to dream big.
7. Mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money – Kim and I encourage each other to be good stewards of our money by saving, giving, and spending wisely. Studies have also shown that married couples are more financially stable than the rest of the population. In 2008, the median adjusted household income was about $77,000 for married adults vs $54,000 for unmarried adults.
8. Kim knows me like no one else – Kim is the only person that I’ve ever fully shared myself with. She holds the key to my heart and I know it will always be safe with her.
9. Being married has taught me patience and perseverance – I’ve always been an impatient person. I’m sure that marriage was God’s way of teaching me patience. Because of the promise of forever that I made to Kim, I can’t just walk away when things get tough. I have to persevere and work through the issues in a logical, mature manner.
10. I have someone to share my life with – The best thing about my marriage with Kim is that I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. I know that I have someone who will always be in my corner and give me the love and encouragement I need to make it in this world.

P.S. – Did I mention the sex?

- Fred

Question: Do you think that marriage obsolete?

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