From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense to argue that it's not. After all, is populating the world with lots of humans something that is best done with exclusivity? Perhaps not.
Of course, one can also argue that it's unnatural merely based on the seeming inability of many to stay committed to people they say "I do" to further on down the road. And yes, I am aware of the people who are married faithfully for many, many years, and have lovely lives. I am extremely happy for them, and hope to be able to have a life like that someday myself.
Unfortunately, I'm also aware of the people to whom marriage isn't much of a commitment at all. Despite the family and friends who are invited to the ceremony, despite the money spent on the dress, reception, and honeymoon, despite everything being thought through so carefully, marriage is often easily tossed aside when times become too hard, or the two involved realize their differences outnumber their similarities. Two people who once claimed to love each other and promised to do so till death did them part, part instead with half of what they owned together, less money in their pockets than they had before, and more often than not, ill feelings to the other member of the now dissolute union.
Now I personally am a bit torn on the subject of marriage. I understand why divorce is the only answer for some couples, and I'd hate to think of anyone deprived of happiness or real love by being stuck in a relationship that is the equivalent of an emotional black hole. However, I also feel that if "till death do us part" is something so lightly entered into, and so easily dissolved, then marriage loses its purpose and significance. If we can't even stay committed when we commit ourselves to the highest level of romantic commitment possible in the legal and religious world, then what CAN we commit to in a relationship?
If people don't take their vows seriously, then what are vows for?
If people can be so very convinced of their love for someone that they go through the hassle of marrying them, only to end up "falling out of love," then how can you know when someone loves you in a way that will last, or you them?
When almost half of all marriages end in divorce, what's the point in getting married when your likelihood to stay together is merely the luck of the draw? (And that's a recent statistic, mind you.)
Troublingly enough, there's no real answer to that question, at least that I'm aware of. But it IS food for thought.
