Getting married isn’t something people do on a whim—it’s called “taking the plunge” for a reason. When you say “I do,” you’re not just tying yourself to another person in a legal or ceremonial sense. You’re choosing a partner who, for better or worse, will likely influence almost every part of your journey through life. From the quiet moments of mental clarity to the stormy days of emotional turbulence, the presence of a life partner changes everything. Whether it’s how you navigate devastating losses or how you cheer for each other in moments of joy, or even how you raise children (if you decide to go that route), your significant other will be intertwined with it all. Saying “choose wisely” doesn’t quite capture the depth of this reality—it’s more like, “choose with your soul and your sanity in mind.”
And yet, despite the depth of such a commitment, the reasons people choose to marry are often surprisingly layered and complex. You may be single or in a relationship already, but either way, chances are high that someone has hit you with their own take on why marriage is wonderful—or why it’s a trap. These nuggets of advice, whether heartfelt or bitter, can be hard to sift through. Sometimes the real reasons why we consider—or avoid—marriage are buried beneath layers of fear, hope, or societal pressure. That’s why it can help to step back, look inward, and get honest with yourself about your true motivations.
