Marriage - Is it really all it's cracked up to be?

Yes, I'm going to do it.

No, not get married. That would require that I actually know a straight man! Duh!

I meant that I, too, am going to jump into the fray concerning gay marriage.

I don't understand the homosexual's desire to be married. I mean, I do, but I don't.

I understand the symbolic meaning behind marriage. If gay couples are allowed to married it means equality, justice, the American way, blah blah blah. It's not fair that I have the right to marry the person I love and want to spend the rest of my life with (any suggestions who this is, please, let me know) but my best friends can not.

I don't understand the critics who say that "Marriage is about procreation" or "Children need a mother and a father." Since when has marriage ever been about children? Is that really all that marriage is about? As a single mom, I take special offense to this.

I understand the principle behind gays being allowed to marry. I understand the desire for equality. I have fought vigorously for it. I understand what marriage means to people. It means a commitment, proof of a couple's undying love for one another.

But, in reality, marriage is only a piece of paper. Isn't what really matters that you are with the person you love and want to spend your life with? This brings us to another point which we won't get into today, that is, if marriage is really only between two people, what say should the government have in it? Or religion, for that matter? Marriage is an agreement between two people, not Uncle Sam or God,
right?

This also brings up the debate about love. I think Howard Jones said it best when he sang, "What is love anyway? Does anybody really love anybody anyway?" And Paul McCartney asserts, "All you need is love."
And that totally makes sense.

Anyway, another argument for marriage equality is that gay couples deserve the same benefits as straight couples. However, all of the same rights and such can be granted with contracts. Besides, who would want to get married anyway? It's really not all it's cracked up to be. Just look at marriage these days. Most are out of convenience, arrangement, or force. Are any really about love anymore?

I understand that marriage has a greater meaning. I also understand that part of my hesitancy in supporting it is my own fear. Commitment is a huge step. Giving yourself completely to someone only to have them tremendously hurt you is not fun. Maybe others are just stronger than me, I don't know.

I don't understand the desire for marriage, mostly because of what I have been through. I will, however, support all of my friends who desire it.

Because, they deserve it-no matter who they love.