Living together, being married, I have done both, and I am fine with either one.

As a retired, financially secure, widowed man without kids, marriage serves no real purpose for me and I will not get married again unless I meet a woman that really demands it as part of continuing to share my life with her. I will not be pressured into marrying someone early on after I meet them and if someone requires that for me to be with her due to her religion, that tells me she is not a match for me. Commitment is proven by making someone an exclusive relationship and then continuing to prove over time you are committed to them. I got a prenup before my one marriage and would require on before another as well.

Dan and I have been together since meeting in the Singles/Mingle/Chatroom over a year ago. We each have been married more than once with grown adults (children once). We have no plans on getting married. We share a house, an adopted cat and a future.

Nope.

Marriage isn't just for the Bride and groom... It's also for friends and family... To get the word out that they are "taken" ... So both husband and wife will feel more secure because everyone's watching and everyone knows what's what... Personally, I'd want to get married to my man but I won't rush into it and that marriage certificate will include a prenuptial agreement...

At my age, I have to consider the financial impacts of marriage on taxes as well as my retirement status not that far down the road.

Not necessary - it is fine for folks though. It can have some worthwhile legal benefits: especially for end of life, return of family Crap.

Health insurance comes to mind! Though in some companies that's now extended to significant others.

My parents had a great marriage - so I know people can make it work.
But? To each their own.

The problem is the women who believe that there's no commitment unless you get married. What they don't see is that if you don't trust the person then whether you get married or not won't solve the problem. And if you do trust them you don't need to get married. To maybe head off some of the expected attacks, I've never heard a man say that he needs to get married because otherwise there's no commitment, I've only heard women say it.

As I tell my clients, a piece of paper falls apart in hot water. It's your honor and integrity in upholding the promises (or expectations you have agreed to) that keep you together.

But, a wedding or even just a commitment ceremony marks that moment where you do formally agree to these things, whether legally binding, a social event, or even an intimate ceremony for just the two of you, it creates a memory, marking the transition from being single individuals, to being partners in a relationship, where you're in it together.

When there are children involved, a ceremony of some kind adds a layer of security. Where there is the possibility of having children together in the future, at least a domestic partnership agreement, a civil union or some sort of legal document (if not a marriage certificate) eases health insurance fears, and can offer tax benefits in some cases.

There are scenarios where a legal marriage would mean that one partner or the other might end up with a reduction in benefits, but even just a social ceremony without the paperwork has some positive impact for the couple and extended family.

In any case, if a couple is committed, and there is no good reason to get married, then don't. But marriage eases uncertainty, adds a layer of permanence and security, and your promise is a gift to your partner.

Does getting married mean it will last forever? That's the intention, but the reality is that sometimes we don't think it through well enough, we don't agree on the expectations we have for the marriage. A decision must be made whether to stay in it, or jump through the hoops to get out of it. It's harder to get out of a marriage than to get into it - so it should definitely not be entered into lightly.

I've had clients who have been together for decades without marriage, because they didn't feel they needed to be married, but eventually decide that now is the time - and when I ask them why now, it's often, well, we aren't young anymore, and we get to worrying about what would happen if one of us falls ill or dies...

Yup makes sense but for a long term relationship marriage gives both legal rights when the other is sick or some legal rights other than that not necessary

No, you don't, however there is this nagging little though in most of us, that if he or she doesn't want to get married they are not as committed as I want them to be.

Oddly I am not a fan of marriage but any potential partner who states early on that they will never get married is booted quickly. If you're that determined to remain "free" I don't think you're capable of commitment. Particularly if you feel the need to close that door before you even know someone well. One of those things I do that kind of makes me a hypocrite but whatevs.

Living together in a committed relationship - more than friends with benefits less committment than a marriage ... either side can walk away with few issues

It is like getting a dog license, and inviting the government into your business, when in fact, it is none of their fucking business. Often once people get married they think they own the other person, and that is just out of the fucking question for me. I was forced to put up with a first class asshole for the 18 years I was growing up, and I simply cannot stand the thought of ever being in a situation were I have to deal with anyone's shit because of making a commitment that is bull shit in the first place, how can anyone swear to love someone forever . . . . and still be taken seriously? No one can predict what the future holds, especially when it comes to what someone will be like 20 or even 3 years in the future. The idea of unconditional love is stupid, if a relationship is not good, get the fuck out.

Society makes it difficult for those in a committed relationship to not get married. If there's a medical emergency you may not be allowed to see the person or help make medical decisions. If you truly feel committed to someone you may want to make a legal bond for life decisions and choices, most times that's marriage.