筆者的話：emmm母胎solo的我很難去構(gòu)思婚姻的意義。所以很general地寫了一些。

Marriage is not a grave

The recent decade has witnessed a steady decline in the marriage rate in China and more people than before are single according to the official data. Public opinions on the value of marriage vary from person to person. Some hail marriage as an indispensable part of our society, while others dismiss it as worthless for its restriction on personal freedom. Personally, I highly value the importance of marriage for the sacred union of two souls and the security and mature intimacy derived from the relationship.

Admittedly, the opinions on marriage change drastically than at any time in history. Marriage is now being crossed-off the to-do list of people across the world. In particular, in the developed countries and areas, elite couples commonly delay tying the knot to earn more time for their career success. On top of that, working-class people disregard wedlock as a must compared to the previous generations. Social changes including the fading stigma of divorce, partly contribute to the growing divorce rate. The increasing number of single adults and the divorcees impact on the multitude’s view on marriage. There is no doubt that many would consider the marriage license as a worthless piece of paper and some even liken marriage to the grave. The social changes inevitably account for negative comment on marriage.

However, it is groundless to depreciate marriage. Marriage, to some extent, is a sacred union of two souls who share the similar interest and lifestyle. It is far more than the rings, the vows and the harsh rules and government involvement. The fundamental function of marriage is the emotional connection of two individuals. The marital commitment forms such a strong relationship that provides the adults an invisible emotional bond that they desperately need. One can talk whatever topics to their spouse, without any worry to be judged or be belittled, for instance. Having someone by their side through thick and thin who is always willing to lend them ears to listen to and shoulders to cry on, would shield one from the emotional distress and depression in the fast-paced stressful society. Hence, marriage binds one with another soul, bringing the emotional security to both.

Besides, marriage makes the bond wherein one is sure he or she would be taken care of by the spouse in need. When someone is suffering from a certain disease, their partner would be responsible to look after them by their sickbed round the clock. No nurses or caregivers except the spouse are able to do so. In addition, the spouse is empowered to make the decision and sign before operation on behalf of the patient especially when the patient is critically ill and unconscious. In this sense, marriage offers the life security to the married people, to name but two.

Last but not least, one would grow mature after getting married. As marriage is widely expected as a part of life, family as well as society, it refers to the commitment and responsibility. The marital commitment is closely related to an act of responsible devotion， although both would compromise on their personal freedom to a certain degree. For example, marriage prompts the couples to deal with the financial problems. They would share the duty to tackle the butter-and-bread domestic affairs and become mature. Hence, marriage benefits both partners, enabling them to be greater than their sum of parts.

In conclusion, despite the growing number of divorce and single people, it is reckless to jump to the conclusion that marriage is worthless. It is neither a fantasy fairyland nor a graves. Rather, marriage is a strong bond between two individuals. The relationship boasts emotional and life security and makes mature and responsible citizens. In a broader sense, marriage is essential to individuals in the modern civilization. (627 words)

Reference:

https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/why-is-marriage-important/

經(jīng)濟學(xué)人

CGTN