> In terms of dating, when I engage in that, I aim for pure companionship.
I'm not sure what that means exactly? Sounds more like friendship than dating.
> It always struck me as wrong to use another person, either for intimacy or even as an emotional crutch.
Why would you frame it in term of using someone? A relationship is supposed to be mutual.
> However, these are personal anecdata. Is it so hard to look at the statistics and results and make your own conclusion?
According to your stats, >50% of first time marriages succeed. That seems pretty good for such a major life decision.
Anyway, what puzzles me is that you're asking why anyone should get married, but your starting point was with someone "who probably doesn't like me very much anyways". Shouldn't a couple be in love before they even consider marriage. If you don't love each other — or even like each other??? — then of course you shouldn't consider marriage. That would be dumb, and likely destined to fail. The question of marriage shouldn't even come up in that situation.
If you're vehemently against marriage, and moreover, nobody loves you, then congratulations, it's a rather easy decision for you. Or no decision at all. Love is why people risk it.
I'm not sure what that means exactly? Sounds more like friendship than dating.
> It always struck me as wrong to use another person, either for intimacy or even as an emotional crutch.
Why would you frame it in term of using someone? A relationship is supposed to be mutual.
> However, these are personal anecdata. Is it so hard to look at the statistics and results and make your own conclusion?
According to your stats, >50% of first time marriages succeed. That seems pretty good for such a major life decision.
Anyway, what puzzles me is that you're asking why anyone should get married, but your starting point was with someone "who probably doesn't like me very much anyways". Shouldn't a couple be in love before they even consider marriage. If you don't love each other — or even like each other??? — then of course you shouldn't consider marriage. That would be dumb, and likely destined to fail. The question of marriage shouldn't even come up in that situation.
If you're vehemently against marriage, and moreover, nobody loves you, then congratulations, it's a rather easy decision for you. Or no decision at all. Love is why people risk it.