What is the difference of being married and being in a committed relationship?

[kitty71]

aren't they similar only that the difference is the paper that says you are married? I mean if you are in a comitted relationship you supposedly are exclusive to that person right? The same as being married only taht there is no paper that says you are married.

For example, I have a male acquaitance who is 43 years old and a bit famous and popular and he is dating a lady maybe she is 27yrs old. Physically the guy looks more like her father. Anyway this guy before this new lady had had his share of ladies in the past, more than 7 and in several of his relationships he had dated them for more than 1 yr or even 2 years, but never married neither of the ladies he dated in his past. He had one who lasted almost 4yrs (his longest relationship and the one that look more settled than the rest) but he never married the lady either even if they moved in together very quickly after they started dating.

Many say this dude is afraid of committment the reason he never had settled with the more of 7 chicks he had been in the past and still some believe he will never settle or commit, others says he could change his mind with his new one, that he wants to be finally serious but like he wants to have a committed relationship but no marriage still because it seems he seems smitten with the lady, he had been handsy, holding hands, being out and about together and they been together like maybe 8 months already so is normal if he maybe is serious with the woman but still no marriage for him and not unlike the others when he was much younger.

Some say this dude seems serious with her after like maybe 9mos of being together and hey may want to have a committed relationship but no marriage like the other women he was with in the past.

[Screenwriter]

Well , for Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, who've been together 40 years, there is no difference. But for other people, there is.

And, as far as psychologists have discovered, there usually IS a difference for most people. As long as there is no ring and paper, most people live as if it's an extended honeymoon/roommate situation.

However, when documents become involved and weddings and family dynamics, things become more "real." Couples tend to revert to the people they grew up with, as that is their blueprint. Their respective parents...

Hawn and Russell are a rare couple. I think a couple like they are is possible. But it's unlikely. You have to sit down and discuss what you want for each other, if you want children, how you'll take care of them and each other if one or the other of you dies, how money, chores... all the dirty details of a couples' lives together entail.

And perhaps you can avoid the assumptions married couples have about how they'll live: Just like their parents... Or completely OPPOSITE of their parents...

I say, get a good therapist and work through all these issues before you cohabit: married or not. It can be done. But NEVER without paperwork. You'll need legal documents like life insurance, a will. All the things married people need.

Hawn and Russell had both been married and divorced before and Hawn, especially, had been through the ringer and never wanted to do that again. And the two of them chose more carefully this final time as a couple.

That's the bottom line. Choose and work out issues carefully before you commit.

[AutumnSerenity]

A 43 year old dating a 27 year old? He’s just having fun. Don’t expect a marriage from him (especially since he’s successful and given his past). He would need to protect his assets, avoid alimony (since he’ll likely leave once he’s bored), etc. Not worth the effort in his case.

[Anonymous]

Oh, let me tell you, there's a big difference between being married and being in a committed relationship. It's like the difference between leasing a car and owning it. When you're leasing, sure, you get to drive it, but you can't make any big changes. No custom paint jobs. But when you own it, you get the title, the full deal. That's marriage - you get the garage, the in-laws, the whole package.

Now, about this guy, 43, dating a 27-year-old, looking more like her father than her boyfriend – classic! It's like when I see someone using a flip phone in 2023 – you know something's a little off.

This guy, he's been through more relationships than a reality TV star. More than 7 ladies? That's not a love life, that's a season of 'The Bachelor'. And the one that lasted 4 years without a ring? He probably thought it was a long test drive.

People say he's afraid of commitment? Maybe he just loves being a boyfriend. Some guys like being in the game more than actually scoring, you know? Like a golfer who loves the swing but never wants to putt.

But now, with this new lady, he's all handsy, like a teenager at prom. They're out and about, holding hands, being all cute for 8 months. Maybe he's finally found his match, or maybe he just likes the attention. It's like saying, "I'll take the steak, but hold the commitment sauce."

So, will he settle down? Who knows! Maybe he'll surprise us all and take the plunge. Or maybe he'll just keep swimming in the dating pool. Either way, it's better than reality TV – you can't script this stuff!

[WindAtMyBack]

I lived with a woman in a committed long term relationship - approaching a couple of decades. Mentally, I was committed to her.

So why didn't we get married? Because it serves no purpose?

Humans are good at lying to themselves. "It serves no purpose" is not the real reason.

No matter how committed the relationship is, marriage is taking another step. It's taking it to a level far beyond a committed relationship.

It's easy to ask what purpose marriage serves. The purpose is because we KNOW deep inside that it's taking it to another level. We KNOW it's a higher level of commitment than simply living together.

It's not just a piece of paper. It's what that paper represents. That paper represents two people who are willing to take that step. They are willing to go beyond a committed relationship. They are willing to take a solemn vow. That vow makes them think. It makes them ask themselves in a very serious way if this is right.

So why didn't we get married when we were committed? Because we weren't THAT committed. And being THAT committed is what makes the difference.

[AviatorTom]

Marriage is a legalized committed relationship. It's more than a piece of paper. Marriage has certain legal distinctions (for example, a spouse cannot be forced to testify against their mate) and economic advantages (for example, property becomes jointly owned).

[Flatmanlewis]

The biggest single difference is the legality of marriage. That sounds like a small distinction from a dating perspective and maybe even a ‘young’ marriage but when storm clouds blow into life there ARE important considerations:
- The ability to inherit property.
- The right to make decisions in a medical crisis.
- The right to ride in the ambulance with them.
- The legal protection of confidentiality.
- Life & health insurance coverage.
- Legal protection in travel situations in other countries.
- I’m some states, the ability to buy property together.
- The recognition that it is a true and confirmed commitment to others who have the same understanding of marriage.
- Visitation rights in hospitals.
- Power of Attorney.


This is but a few of the benefits, from a legal perspective.

[pickles77]

Marriage is more commitment. It doesn’t get anymore serious then when your willing to risk everything for the person you love. When your just in a committed relationship you walk away anytime you want and there is no issue. But marriage is ment for life, for better or for worse your duty is to love each other. But if it turns sideways you can separate but it won’t be easy not on the guy anyway. It’s also a public way to say that you are together and not looking for anyone else. You can start a family and live your life within each other while having that added security that binds you together

[HaveNoName]

Paper does not just say you are married. It is a legal social contract with conditions and rights of either side.

Sure you can do a simple paper thing in the court. But traditionally, the institution of marriage has some religious connection.

[Asb_Samson]

It's my personal opinion " Marriage is only difference between Humans & Animal" to make the couple, relationship, understanding, care of each other.

[Nik1hil]

Marriage is a three-person legal contract, Groom & Bride, and law.

committed relationship is a two-person Agreement. with no legal implications.

[IslaTheWitch]

Marriage means you already were in a committed relationship, and now you have a paper for that (plus some new rights and responsibilities).

[jahaims]

Well if you aren't a moron then you are in a committed relationship if you are married. Marriage is a legality while a committed relationship is a relationship you are all in on and are doing your best to improve it everyday.

[Sun_Kim-Ai]

Marriage is a legally bonding contract.

A committed relationship is not.

[pascal_climbs]

The only difference is the legal status and that is dependent on the country you live in.

[spartan55]

Sounds like too many people are up in that dude's business. I'm sure he really enjoys that...🙄

[WhitneySnow]

Some guys don’t mind being committed to one girl but don’t want to get married

[HouseMoat]

Legality

All marriage is, is a piece of paper, and lower taxes

Otherwise, it's thee EXACT SAME THING

[KrakenAttackin]

Marriage is a loaded gun to the mans head and a license for the government to decide what happens in your relationship.

[Kelly6]

Marriage has certificate.

committed relationship does not

[kitty71]

I know but do u think still in a committed serious relationship still is no good to cheat

[Kelly6]

@kitty71
That’s a good question ,
But people will say if they are committed then it will be cheating.
I will disagree

[loveslongnails]

Committed relationships last longer. LOL

[OddBeMe]

I’m sure there are plutonic marriages, and even some of them could be “committed” in some sense.

[Paul09]

One has a piece of paper and religion to prove love. While the other is just love?

[pickles77]

I don’t think it’s about proving love. in Christianity marriage is a three way covenant between husband wife and God. It includes love of course but it’s more about securing that love by going all in and having a public ceremony. Socially, economically it adds accountability and reinforces your relationship so that you can have a life long relationship together and when things get tough sometimes that’s what you need to push through. I think it’s a better option for children as well because what we do will ultimately affect them as well and sometimes it’s better to do the right thing for your family while you process your discontent.

[ComsicMairah95]

breaking up doesn't cost and arm and leg

[Papabubbles]

Marriage means she get half.