For better or worse seldom means better

Thuthukani Ndebele’s article “The aisle less travelled” (City Press, February 17 2013) left a bittersweet taste in my mouth.

To try to attribute the declining nrumber of marriages to wedding and lobolo costs, the changing economic status of women and urbanisation is much like trying to defend why Oscar Pistorius fired shots at a bathroom door when he hadn’t even seen the intruder.

Ndebele should have boldly stated that marriage is an ancient, primitive institution that worked wonders during the ice age when women were only housekeepers.

In this era, how on earth do you invite people to a wedding ceremony where you are going to tell the most expensive lie in your life, that you will love him or her “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part”?

The way married people cheat, I wonder whether they remember a single line from their marriage vows.

Besides, if you love someone so much that everything seems perfect, why change it by going for marriage?

Marriage is an insurance policy for people who either have low self-esteem, think someone is the best they will ever have, have modest life goals, or who need security or affirmation.

Marriage is like a nation with its own rules and regulations that you can’t break, but need to adapt to.

Many relationships thrive well when there is no pressure or unreal expectations.

Marriage is like a barometer to gauge your patience and tolerance levels.

- Luthando Lukhozi Centurion