rates of divorce. The bonding offers many things: pleasing social status, an opportunity
for parents to find a good partner for their children, continuing the family name, and
keeping property in the family. Yet, in the traditional sense, an arranged marriage is
outdated seeing how love and friendship is a big priority for many now.

Another aspect to consider is that previously, couples got married at a younger
age and made the decision to tie the knot easier. Today, it seems as though both men
and women are more career oriented rather than family oriented—resulting in many
wanting to become professionally established before settling down.

But that shouldn’t have any impact on the idea of marriage itself, as one can pursue
their professional career with the help of their partner. Perhaps people are just afraid of
committed relationships bogging down their dreams. To me, that sounds like the wrong
relationship, not something wrong with marriage.

It’s commonplace

One argument concerning wedlock is the prevalence of “common-law marriage”
nowadays. A 2017 Statistics Canada report says 15 percent of people were living in a
common law relationship. According to the Income Tax Act, common-law essentially
consists of two same or opposite sex people who have lived in a marriage-like
relationship for 12 months or longer. With the perks of a common-law marriage being
practically like that of a licence marriage, many people are opting for
this cheaper option that also offers less legal formalities.
In British Columbia, common-law couples share the
same benefits are married couples. For instance,
they are entitled to a 50/50 split of assets that has
been acquired in the length of their relationship
should they split up. With all the perks of a legal
marriage, some question the relevance of
licensed marriages in today’s society.
Marriage is a personal choice, to some it
may seem like an antiquated practice, but
to others it is relevant and imperative. If
you can afford it, or really desire the legal
ramifications of binding yourself to another,
then go for it!
Throw together a shindig of love, sign those
government documents, and officially tie
the knot. If you can’t afford it, or don’t
find value in marriage, there’s absolutely
nothing wrong with a relationship like the
one my friends have.

6¢ It's just a piece of
paper stating that two
individuals are legally
bound to each other.

Illustration by Morgan Hannah