[Thinkalot]

I'm not talking here about the roles in marriage, or the expectations and so on. It is important obviously that there is agreement on such things, along with common goals, values, views on kids and parenthood, finances and so on.

My guy and I have all that stuff worked out. We've talked about it all a lot. But we realised on the weekend, that we actually rate the importance of marriage itself differently.

I view it as highly important, as representing the highest committment possible, and also telling the world that you are a husband and wife team. As per a recent discussion we had on here, I even have certain images associated with the word 'wife'.

My guy views marriage as good, and would rather marry than not. He likes the idea of the traditions and so on, however has said that if I was the non-marrying kind, he would be happy with not getting married.

Do you think it normally matters more to the woman? Or is this just one of those things where the meaning and importance of marriage differs between individuals? For example, while I see marriage as this next step forward, my guy already feels he is committed to me 100%. Marriage will be the icing on the cake one day...but it is not essential for him. Now if HE were the non-marrying kind, I believe it would bother me. But I too am already committed 100%.