This weekend will be our one year wedding anniversary. I can’t say I feel like much has changed in our relationship post rings. The only notable difference is my own attitude towards our relationship. I do feel there is stability now that is comforting. And although the permanence of anything is a bit terrifying to me, that fear dissipates a little every day. I enjoy the partners in crime aspect, having someone that is forever on your side.
The thing that has always turned me off about marriage is the legal aspect of it all. The license. Why do I need to pay the government for a piece of paper that says I have the right to pledge myself to someone? There is so much controversy about the legalization of gay marriage – which seems weird to even write – marriage isn’t something that should be up for legal debate, something that some unknown person in some far away place has the right to decide for me, it’s about love, right? Or at least in our culture. I get why there needs to be paperwork. The merging of assets, insurance, property. I get that. But that legal document has nothing to do with the ceremony of it, the agreement to love and honor, to be someone’s partner in crime, their biggest fan. For those who are against gay marriage for religious reasons, so be it, we’re all entitled to our beliefs. But please keep your hatred to yourself. And don’t for a second think that God has anything to do with the paperwork.