I'll try to keep this brief, as a variety of people have already commented on this very interesting discussion.

At 16, I never wanted to get married. At 16, I was in a relationship with a guy. By age 21, I had a bit of change of heart. The person I was with, however, stated very clearly that he would never marry me, or anyone. A few months later, I found out he had been cheating on me with a co-worker for the past year and they were expecting a baby. When I found out and he broke up with me, I found out that a few weeks later, he'd proposed to said girl. I felt very very slighted. Especially after I checked my bank accounts and found them empty. It was a horrible situation. Ruined my trust in a variety of people.

I spent the next year pretty much away from everyone. Friends, family... It was 'Me' time. Got stronger despite everything that happened. And then I randomly met the most amazing person on an online forum. Everything about him mirrored my views, my quirks. We started sending e-mails... then texting. He had just finished going through something almost identical to what I went through with my ex, so we had a lot of common ground. Understanding and supportive. When I finally met him, it was like I'd known him my whole life. Yet I still had butterflies like crazy and he made me feel completely special.

I've been with him for over two years now. It may not sound like a long time to most standards, but every meaningful relationship starts somewhere. Recently he's been bringing up the topic of getting married... Subtly, coyly. Little comments. Just hints of it, smiling at me before he quickly changes the topic.

It's not about 'Why' you should get married. It should start with a feeling. Some people just should not get married. Period. And others... Others make it look like the most wonderful thing in the world. It's about perspective, and understanding what you want in life. If there comes a time where you both agree that that's something you'd love to do, to share, then that's what makes it beautiful. It's not marriage that people are looking for. Underneath all of that, they're just looking to be with someone in a meaningful and loving way. Some people rush into it, almost as if marriage will bring them happiness. Not always the case. You see unhappy married couples all the time. But, when you see a happy couple (married or not), it's different.

For me, I could easily live with my boyfriend for the forseeable future. Just thinking of it makes me smile. If we were to get married, it's not because we have to. It would be because that's what's meaningful for us.