Why marry when currently the options available to couples are more than they were in the past? The piece of paper and steel around the third finger of the left hand are merely outward societal symbols of what a couple feels. Two people can have all the attributes of the institution of marriage without the symbols. After all, we come into this world alone and go out alone. There are two options available to couples …showed first 75 words of 712 total…

…showed last 75 words of 712 total…benefits and drawbacks. What the individual couple ultimately decides will depend on where in the relationship they are and if they are ready for the responsibilities. With divorce rates as high as they have become it only makes sense to maintain separate living quarters while sustaining a committed relationship. After all, we come into this world alone and go out alone as well. Final score: Living alone 2.5. Living together .5. Looks like we have a winner.