Wedding Bells

My friend Chris is getting married today. I am, of course, attending the ceremony. This is not the first time (nor likely the last) I'll go stag to a wedding. Marriage is something I usually don't address here b/c it really doesn't enter the mind very often.

In fact, it's not something I plan on participating in @ all.

The "institution" of holy matrimony is such a joke, maybe I shouldn't comment any further. It's almost not even worth getting cynical & wound up over something I basically don't believe in.

Too late now...

I came close to marriage about 13 yrs ago (dating myself once again) w/a selfish homely girl named Kristin. For whatever reason, she talked me into getting engaged. Did I mention stupidity knows no bounds? For the record, that statement stands. Suffice it to say, I eventually saw the error in my ways & bailed the fuck out in time.

I've seen so many people get married for the wrong reasons, it's ridiculous. Kids out of wedlock, codependent desperation, boredom, lust, vanity, the list goes on. In all that time, there were prolly 2-3 couples who truly meant it &/or were actually compatible w/eachother.

The most common mistake I've observed is doing it too soon. People need to take some time & really get to know their partners before committing for life. That's just fucking basic. Live together first - for a long while...like 5 or 10 yrs. Don't dick around w/this 3 - 6 month bullshit. It just isn't nearly enough time.

Weddings of convenience are another common farce these days. Financial or green card advantages aside, you still have to deal w/the other person every day. Madness, but people continually do this, as well.

The sacred aspect of marriage is gone. There's no sanctity left in it. Divorce has become a routine escape clause for couples who mistakenly decided on a whim. Hell, celebrities do it - why shouldn't we?

I know there are some divorcees who were genuinely in love when taking their vows & meant it - 'till death do us part, etc. These people really wanted to make things work, but extenuating circumstances forced them to make a difficult decision & split up. They deserve full credit for trying.

I sincerely wish Chris & Julie the best of luck.

These days, they'll need it.