bottomline thoug he did NOT marry her, and thus no need for a ring.....common law or not. and yes, while there are many commitments with a common law marriage - although i have no idea about in seattle - it still is not 100% recognized as a 'marriage'...if the relationship disolves. sure, legal ramifications to be sure, but there is reason not to marry if that's your choice, and live together indefinitely.
anyhoo, for this conversation was simply pointing out he has no 'need' to wear a ring b/c he did not make the commitment of marriage. beyond that, i see no need in it period...just choice.
I have to wonder what makes something an "official" marriage though...I know a couple who had a little ceremony for themselves, yes, exchanged rings, have 2 kids, have each other's names (hyphonated)...but the government has no idea they're married, nor does any religious institution (and yes, it is a heterosexual couple)...
so in that respect, if they take off their rings...???
I have to wonder what makes something an "official" marriage though...I know a couple who had a little ceremony for themselves, yes, exchanged rings, have 2 kids, have each other's names (hyphonated)...but the government has no idea they're married, nor does any religious institution (and yes, it is a heterosexual couple)...
so in that respect, if they take off their rings...???
when i say 'official' i mean 'legal.' so yes, in the eys of the law, they are not married. obviously, 'marriage' has a spiritual significance to some, and whatever else......but i simply refer to the legal construct of marriage. altho as justam mentions, if they are living together for a pre-determined set period of time, depending on the state in which they reside, they may well be considered a 'common law marriage.'
bottomline, getting a marriage license = making it official.
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I have to wonder what makes something an "official" marriage though...I know a couple who had a little ceremony for themselves, yes, exchanged rings, have 2 kids, have each other's names (hyphonated)...but the government has no idea they're married, nor does any religious institution (and yes, it is a heterosexual couple)...
so in that respect, if they take off their rings...???
when i say 'official' i mean 'legal.' so yes, in the eys of the law, they are not married. obviously, 'marriage' has a spiritual significance to some, and whatever else......but i simply refer to the legal construct of marriage. altho as justam mentions, if they are living together for a pre-determined set period of time, depending on the state in which they reside, they may well be considered a 'common law marriage.'
bottomline, getting a marriage license = making it official.
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow