Good discussion is going on here about "WHY TO GET MARRIED?" Ok here are my two cents in the topic. Although living together is now acceptable, research have shown that 60 per cent of cohabiting couples still get married after a few years. We can live together and settle down without marriage but you can't find the security, satisfaction, commitment as you can find in a married relationship. The first and the most important factor is that you are in LOVE. It is the most important element in the most successful relationships, tho it should not be the only reason for getting married. Then comes the feeling of reliable companiosship and commitment. At first you need to know each other's faults and failings and then you can decide if you want to be together forever. If you enjoyed a a secure and committed relationship for some time and and mentally prepared for bringing up children in a good environment, marriage is the most logical step. The ceremony of marriage is an integral part of our culture as well. Another reason to get married is to start a family. As time flows, you will be left with less and lesser good friends as they vanish in their own world. If you have enjoyed a secure and committed relationship for some time and feel marriage is the best environment in which to bring up children, marriage is the your best weapon you have in your shelf. But you should not get married just because of the dear of being alone or to recover from previous unsuccessful marriages.