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I look forward to sharing that day with my parents and their respective spouses, my brother and my extended family, who have all become accustomed to my independent life choices.

But I want Jeff's parents to be there, too, so I can honor their role in raising such a loving son. I want his brothers and sister, their loved ones and children to join us and share in our joy. They are loving people who have been accepting of me, and I would cherish the chance to introduce them to my daughter, my family and our friends.

Nonetheless, while I know the word "married" would mean something to them, something tangible they could use when describing our life together, I can't do it. I am Jeff's partner, his friend and his lover, and he is mine. The terms "husband" and "wife" wouldn't even begin to describe our relationship.

We've set a date for July to hold our big event. No, we won't get married. But I hope our friends and family still come.

Eslinger lives in Emeryville, Calif.

© 2008

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Member Comments

  • Posted By: cmccracken @ 11/06/2009 2:04:39 PM

    I completely understand, and it's a great article, but... this is the second article on the non marraige issue I've heard from Newsweek. If you're perfectly at home with your decision that's wonderful. But why the need to justify your decision to anyone? I certainly don't write 3 page articles on why I decided TO get married. It's what was right for me. If you don't want to, cool. No one has a right to know why you made personal life decisions. End of story. But I can't help but feel like you're trying to convince yourself it's ok, not just us....

  • Posted By: doodlemonsterchicken @ 06/02/2009 5:31:10 PM

    The divorce rate in the U.S is 50%, so it sounds like even if they do get married they have that chance of getting divorced anyway... marriage doesn't guarantee stability.

  • Posted By: gatto @ 01/07/2009 3:28:18 PM

    That's right, anti-establishment rebellion is certainly not what America was founded upon, nor is individualism. It's ever American's God-given duty to bow down before the (protestant) God, as well as the almighty dollar, and that wonderful idol, the flag. These comments make me laugh (and cringe).

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