We find out what two local women think.
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Oprah recently confessed that she never wants to marry her long-term partner Stedman Graham. She’s not alone in being anti marriage – in fact the percentage of young adults married by the time they were 29 years old was just 29 per cent in 2011 compared with a whopping 64 per cent in 1976.
Not only have the number of people saying “I do” decreased, but the age women are choosing to get married is now higher – with many women delaying marriage until they’re 28 – 30 years. In 1976, the average age was 21.
We spoke to two women with very opposing views on marriage and let them debate tying the knot.
AGAINST MARRIAGE
Sarah Walker, a 20-year-old Sydney student, is in a relationship but never wants to get married.
“I think the idea of being bound to someone until death by law is odd and outdated.
“I don’t think I need to sign a piece of paper and share a last name with someone to show how much I love them and want to spend the rest of my life with them.
“My view is that if both people want to be together they will be, regardless of the legalities.
“In a way I feel like our generation is a bit more into breaking down traditions and social roles. That has swayed my opinion and views on the issue of marriage.
“I feel strongly about that now, but that might just be my naive 20-year-old opinion.”
FOR MARRIAGE
Molly Parker, also 20, is a Sydney student. She’s not in a relationship at the moment but she most certainly dreams of walking down the aisle and marrying her soulmate one day.
“I think finding someone you want to wake up next to for the rest of your life is amazing.
“Movies and fairytales have really influenced the way I want to get married and I do believe in finding your soulmate.
“I might sound crazy but I do have a dream wedding planned; I want a simple beach wedding among the people I love and care about.
“Marriage is a big commitment and you have to be sure about it but if you have found someone that is worth that commitment, go for it.
“Having said all that, I do think that you should experience life before you base it around someone else’s.” – Heba Dandachi
Photo from Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s Flickr photostream
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