In a recent conversation about affairs with a peer, the subject of ‘the institution of marriage’ came up. He conveyed an experience he had when a man from another country commented that ‘many Americans do not understand the institution of marriage’. He went on to state that rather than recognize that upon deciding to marry, they are entering a special relationship, a special commitment. Americans often view marriage as nothing more than a passageway to obtain sexual gratification’. My friend and I discussed these comments and its application to affairs. With many affairs, the parties involved are still looking to gratify sexual desires with a total disregard to who or what institutions they may hurt. The whole idea of the institution of marriage has lost its significance to a majority of the public. Although the term us often used, most people do not appreciate the significance of entering an ‘institution’ and respecting it. Like entering someone’s home, it needs to be respected and treated in a good manner. Instead it is treated roughly. Rather than appreciate the surroundings and where they are at, they treat it like a drinking hall that they run through on their motorcycles and in their dirty boots.
The story of the institution of marriage and the images associated with it helped give me new appreciation for marriage and what it is about. When it is not appreciated it is easily violated.
Best Regards,
Jeffrey Murrah
