Why does this society demand a norm of marriage?

Every time I tell people I don't want to get married, they are shocked and try to convince me otherwise. Why must we feel the need for marriage as our societies norm?Why does this society demand a norm of marriage?
That's the golden rule, my friend, and it also demonstrates what WRONG with the golden rule.





Some people are married (or even just in a romantic relationship) and have such a grand old time that they want everyone else to feel the same. It's a nice gesture, really, but trying to hook everyone in the planet into an indentical situation is not going to make them all happy for what should be pretty obvious reasons. People are different. They like different things.





But true tolerance for other people's differences is hard. And what's more, it's evolutionarily worked against. Groups that favour others as well as themselves tend to be taken advantage of by groups that help only themselves. So it's instinctive to like others who are similar to you, and dislike others who are dissimilar.





That's why we have traditions and social pressures that really serve only small portions of the populace but are enforced socially nonetheless. As humans, we have a truly extraordinary ability to resist any of our instincts. It is just sad that so few even attempt to do so and do unto other NOT as they want done to them, but as those OTHERS want to have done to them.Why does this society demand a norm of marriage?
I'll hook you up with my ex girlfriend.





She doesnt want marriage, either.





People dont want marriage because they want to have a quick and easy way of ditching out when things get rough or depreciate their lifestyles





That is why they criticize marriage as a legal construct to reject it... but are still willing to do an informal ceremony without the legalities.





Because marriage isnt important? Because marriage is a ';ridiculous legal construct?'; Or because the legal component is undesirable?





The law only matters if you are planning ahead of time for a failed marriage. The legalities are a trivial addition otherwise... in fact, the legalities make it more beneficial





That is how my ex was. Hurt me to know she was willing to go through the motions for my ';traditionalist/conservative'; benefit... but wasnt willing to burden herself with... god forbid... obligation / commitment.





A womans promise to commit in a nonlegal marriage is in fact weaker than her promise to commit in monogamous relationship. A relationship has the potential to fail... everyone accepts that. A nonlegal marriage is no difference, except the illusion of commitment... is naive.





A marriage isnt supposed to fail and a ';take my word for it'; guarantee is meaningless. Especially if she down right refuses to take the chance on making it legal.





What does it really say about someones commitment to you?





Seriously, if you love me and want to commit to me... take the chance on law. Otherwise, look our for yourself like any other superficial, selfish, hedonistic, materialistic, capitalistic individual in an emotionally and ethically shallow society would.





If you love me and want to commit to me, why not go through the few extra ';motions'; of legalizing it... at least we can both enjoy the benefits that accompany legal marriage.





Non-legal marriage is just an easy out for those who think they may one day leave... or be left.
Do you want to take care of the kids?