That is the question ???? to cut a lifetime events short.
My take is marriage it's a generation thing as I see it and something people do.
All around me was people getting married and it was something that you did and I would do.
My parents told me not to marry at the time they were right.
I don't regret the time having the 2 children though I enjoy being a father but sadly ended up being a part time father which made a unhappy situation for me.
Another short relationship good at first ended in divorce again and never got to see my son.
What seemed a long time and a long time being together turned out good and marriage lasted 18 years, left with 2 kids to look after for 8 years I didn't mind her leaving wanting to do her own thing.
Met my Thai wife who eventually came back to England and what a great help that was with taking care of house and kids.
3 years later retired early to Thailand and we have been married for 19 years, took care of my step son and adopted a daughter and my only Mia noy is my Blade motorbike. ????