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.
Below are ten thoughtful and eye-opening reasons why marriage might be worth considering. They go deeper than tradition and beyond clichés, tapping into the emotional, psychological, financial, and physical ways that sharing your life with someone can bring profound change.
10. Sharing Your Life Through Marriage Could Actually Help You Live Longer
Multiple studies have shown a fascinating connection between marriage and longevity—especially when that marriage is a happy one. It’s not just a coincidence or a romantic theory; the data suggests that people in strong, committed partnerships tend to live longer than their single peers. A notable 2006 study from researchers at the University of California revealed that single individuals—especially men—face a dramatically higher risk of death due to infectious disease, heart conditions, and even accidental causes. Single men, in particular, had mortality rates up to 250% higher than those who were married.
So why is that? Emotional support plays a huge role. Having a partner means having someone to check in on you when you're sick, encourage healthy habits, and provide consistent companionship that reduces stress. And stress, as we know, is one of the silent killers. Marriage, when it's grounded in love and mutual respect, can act like a long-term wellness plan you didn't know you signed up for—but are glad you did.
9. Marriage Can Boost Your Financial Game
You might be saving up for that dream car, a better apartment, or the newest smart gadget—but going solo can make big purchases feel like a constant uphill climb. When you're married, though, everything changes. Financial responsibilities are shared, bills are split, and major purchases become more feasible with two incomes flowing in. Think of it as a partnership in both love and logistics.
Sure, there's that stereotype that relationships are expensive—gifts, dates, anniversaries. But in the long run, the benefits outweigh the costs. Instead of spending money to impress someone new every few months, you're working with a partner toward shared financial goals. That joint effort often translates to a better home, smarter investments, and the freedom to enjoy luxuries that might have been out of reach solo.
8. A Marriage Is the Strongest Foundation for Starting a Family
Yes, you don’t technically need to be married to have children. But let’s be real: for many, marriage still represents the safest, most stable launching pad for raising a family. The structure it provides—emotionally, financially, and socially—helps children grow up with a strong support system and clear role models.
There’s something deeply grounding about building a life with someone and watching that life expand with the arrival of children. Many men dream of fatherhood, and marriage often becomes the natural gateway to that chapter. It's not just about tradition—it's about having a consistent, reliable framework for parenting together.
7. Growing Old With Someone Means You’re Less Likely to Grow Old Alone
You might be killing it in your twenties and thirties—living your best life, surrounded by flings, fun, and fleeting romance. But let’s be honest: time has a way of humbling even the most charming bachelor. Fast forward a few decades, and the landscape looks different. The party scene fades, the “hot streak” ends, and the deep companionship that comes with a lifelong partner starts to look far more appealing.
Marriage isn’t just about the now—it’s an investment in future companionship. It’s about waking up at 60 and having someone beside you who knows your stories, your struggles, and your soul. While it’s entirely possible to find companionship outside of marriage, having someone who’s chosen to walk beside you through the seasons of life can offer a kind of emotional security that’s tough to replicate elsewhere. In a world where loneliness is becoming a growing epidemic, marriage—when rooted in love and commitment—can offer a kind of lasting closeness that keeps that particular fear at bay.
6. Being Married Might Actually Make You More Attractive
Here’s a quirky truth backed by social psychology: taken men often get more attention from women than their single counterparts. It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s real. Why? Because marriage signals qualities like stability, loyalty, and the ability to commit—all traits that many find desirable. It suggests that if you’re “taken,” someone already saw value in you—and that perceived value tends to ripple outward.
Now, to be clear, you shouldn’t get married for clout or to attract attention from others. But the confidence and emotional security that often comes with being in a committed relationship can subtly radiate from you. And confidence? That’s universally appealing. In a strange twist of logic, committing to one person might actually increase your overall magnetism.
5. Tying the Knot Often Comes With Financial Advantages
Money matters—and marriage, whether people like to admit it or not, often makes life financially easier. Married couples frequently enjoy significant perks that singles miss out on: tax breaks, shared health insurance plans, better mortgage terms, and even eligibility for more comprehensive family benefits.
Beyond the formal stuff, married life often encourages smarter financial behavior. You budget together, save for common goals, and hold each other accountable. It’s easier to resist blowing money on impulse buys when someone else is part of the financial equation. Whether it's pooling funds for a vacation or planning for retirement, having a financial partner can mean reaching your dreams a whole lot faster.
4. Married People Tend to Have More Sex
Let’s bust a myth: marriage doesn’t equal a dead bedroom. In fact, study after study has shown that married men are getting more action than singles. Research from the Kinsey Institute revealed that while 23% of unmarried men go a full year without sex, only about 1% of married men experience that kind of dry spell. That’s a huge difference.
And it’s not just frequency—it’s the ease and consistency that makes a difference. Instead of navigating dating apps and awkward first encounters, married couples get to enjoy intimacy with someone who already knows what they like. It's comfort, chemistry, and convenience all in one.
3. Not Just More Sex—Marriage Often Means Better Sex Too
Sure, flings can be fun. But often, they’re unpredictable or a bit clumsy. With a spouse, you don’t have to guess what feels good or wonder how to bring up a fantasy. Over time, married couples learn each other’s rhythms and preferences, making sex not only more satisfying but more adventurous. There’s an unmatched depth that comes from being with someone who’s emotionally attuned to your desires.
And here's the underrated part: emotional safety leads to sexual exploration. When you trust your partner deeply, you're far more likely to speak up about what you want in bed—and try things you may never have dared with someone new. So while outsiders might assume marriage means monotony, many married folks quietly enjoy their own private renaissance behind closed doors.
2. Married People Consistently Report Being Happier
Happiness is subjective, of course, but the statistics paint a pretty compelling picture. In one Australian university study, married men were found to be 135% more likely to rank their happiness levels as high compared to their single peers. That’s not a small difference—it’s a profound one.
Why? Stability, support, and emotional intimacy all contribute to an overall sense of well-being. Having someone who genuinely cares about your mental and emotional state, who roots for your growth, and who shares your burdens—that's not something easily replicated in casual relationships. Marriage offers a kind of sanctuary from the chaos of modern life, and that safe emotional base helps people thrive.
1. The Right Marriage Can Push You to Become a Better Man
At its best, marriage is a mirror and a mentor. It reflects back your best and worst, challenges you to improve, and gives you the encouragement to keep evolving. Choosing a partner who is honest, wise, and emotionally intelligent can change your life—because that person will constantly help you grow.
A great partner won’t just pat your back when you’re right—they’ll hold you accountable when you’re wrong. Through the highs and lows of marriage, you learn essential life skills: patience, compromise, empathy, resilience. It shapes you into a more thoughtful, grounded, and complete version of yourself. In the end, the biggest reason to get married might be that it inspires you to become the kind of person worthy of lifelong love.
