Marriage is the most fundamental institution of mankind, and no one should get into it based on pure passion and hormones. It is a lifelong relationship and must be approached, lived and defended at all costs against all "enemies". Maturity and commitment are essential. No one should marry with the option of divorce on the table. If marriage is respected and cherished, no obstacles could damage it to the point of dissolution.

I waited until later in life to get married. I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have been able to do it in my younger days. I was a batchelor for many years and I can say I am glad I am married with children.

If you evaluate a marriage in terms of what you had to give up in order to get something else, you are bound to be dissappointed.  In those terms, it's no different than a trade between sports teams, I got some good defence in exchange for giving up some scoring potential on offence.  But if you look at a union between two people as the creation of something completely new and the beginning of a family that will have a legacy beyond your years on the planet, the possibilities for emotional satisfaction are endless.

Considering the divorce rate and the amount of people who tend to change partners as frequently as a square dance, ummm, well I don't think there's a lot of actual satisfaction going on. Some, sure, but not as much as people would have you believe. It probably has a lot to do with that old give and take thing and people expecting the married state to solve all of life's physical, mental and spiritual concerns. I think it's a great thing if it's based on love, respect, consideration and a willingness to work hard at it. Unfortunately, lots of people don't understand those concepts and bail out or close down when the romantic glitter starts to fade.

I have to agree with ArmorOfGodAdorned. Marriage is a lot of good times and bad times even with the best of relationships. It requires each person to give 110%, to learn from every mistake and life experience. It most definitely can and will be an emotionally satisfying experience as long as the relationship is based on love and forgiveness is given when needed. Of course if the hand of forgiveness is offered change has to follow. Remember it's through the good times and the bad. We are all human, we all fail, and we all need a second chance. No marriage is perfect but they can be pretty great with a little work!

It is great when you have a partner who really loves you and is committed to you and helps you out. But it is not so great if you have a bad partner or one who just takes you for granted. Besides, there are also burdens in marriage like you don't have as much freedom as when you did when you were single and you have to adapt to someone else.

Not so much "marriage" as much as "love". Which, unfortunately, don't always go together. My husband and I were already very commited to each other long before marriage. The only thing that really changed after marriage is that I had to change how I sign my name. It's been two years, and it still feels as good as it was before we were even married. I think that's how it should be.

Being able to share so many things, including the downers, is a great kick. What is amazing is how similar two people can eventually become.

Yes, emotionally satisfying. Unless you ahve a bad marriage on your hands. Then it's not quite so emotionally satisfying. Do you feel lucky?

Marriage is great, and it often is extremely satisfying when you and your spouse have a great experience together, but it is also stressful. Being married can be frustrating at times, and sometimes creates stress instead of relieving it.