Love & Marriage (Part Deux)

One of today's headlines on MSN read as follows:
THE STARTER HUSBAND: Is it Wrong to Have a Practice Marriage?

The fact that we as a society pause and have to THINK about our response disheartens me.

BUT, it is, unfortunately, a reality in some circles. These "practice" marriages.

As it stands now, marriage is just some frivolous game to play. Like childhood games of House or Cops and Robbers, we play our adult games. We play until things get a little too serious or we become bored with our matrimonial playmates. "Time out!", we call or just end the game. Walk away to find more interesting and fun playmates. Some spend more time and money planning for the wedding than their marriage. They scrutinize the color and fold of a napkin, but make little effort for the things that matter.

My friend just learned that her former coworker is getting a divorce from her high-profile, rockstar husband. They've been married since January. True, I don't know the reasons for their decision to end the marriage, but it's just so sad. They didn't even last long enough to celebrate an anniversary or take a bite from a piece of frozen wedding cake.

I'm sure people will say of them Poor things. They didn't know what they were getting themselves into. They're both so young, y'know.

I cannot accept that as an excuse. OF COURSE marriage is hard! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that! Marriage should last longer than puppy-love. Marriage should be as it was intended, a commitment. An eternal bond and profession of your love and belonging to another. It will, of course, be difficult as we are all so unwilling to let go of our independence.

There is no quick-fire, rapid-release remedy for the disagreements you'll have. It requires compromise. Sacrifice. Selflessness. Time. Patience.

Yes, it requires a lot. But, if you can get past the rocky hills and bumps along the way, it's a beautiful thing to experience.

I'm sure of it.