If you had to make the case of marriage over cohabitation or visa versa, how would you do it?

Apologies in advance for being slightly off topic & not fully answering your question but I feel my point still has some relevance.

My definition of ‘Marriage’ is a spiritual union under God, specifically any established religion that recognizes God.
The word ‘Marriage’ should belong to religion in order for it to differentiate between itself and the state of political Government. However any other title may be used for a union under the state and equal rights should be granted.
The whole debacle over gay marriage would be diluted if the religious didn’t feel as though their establishment and traditions were being undermined or blasphemed.

Maybe the God fearers should turn the other cheek and rename their spiritual union to XXXX but how long would it be until gay rights would argue that they too should be entitled to be xxxx ?

(slightly back to topic,,, cohabitors should be treated the same as the married and civilly unioned after 4–5 years ((legally))

Why buy what you can rent???

I think there is nothing wrong to ‘test’ drive the car before you buying it, but there is always a deadline you need to made decision to buy it or not as you cannot test drive forever…

Both have good and bad aspects. I forgot which US state has this law stating you are official recognized as married if you live together with someone for 7 years.

@rooeytoo Why buy when you can rent? Because you’re not pissing your money away. You are earning equity. You have the appreciation of the object that also adds value. Buying is generally a much wiser financial decision. By your logic we should get married first and ask questions later.

Cohabitation and marriage have different purposes. Cohabitation if for people who either don’t want to or aren’t ready to announce their relationship before the entire community and ask for the community’s blessing. Marriage is for those who want to solemnify the relationship. I think they are both appropriate, depending on the situation. I cannot make a case for one over the other.

(Psst. You mean vice versa).

@wundayatta – don’t you recognize a throw away line when you see one! You have been the master of them lately, now you throw in a serious response so you think I should too! Next time give me warning and I will behave accordingly. (well maybe, heheheh although it is doubtful)

Sorry. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s not always clear to me when people are making fun of things. Don’t worry. I’m gonna go break out the hair shirt now.