Are there any other respected ways of committing other than engagement/marriage?

Me and my girlfriend want to commit, but aren't comfortable with the legal side of marriage. Are there any respected ways of committing which don't involve the religious and legal aspects of marriage?





Please don't answer if you are simply going to make assumptions about my personal life and worldview- I just want to know the options I have. Thankyou!Are there any other respected ways of committing other than engagement/marriage?
You can actually be married without actually being married legal. Stay in a relationship for as long as you like. Commit to each other as if you guys are married, but don't worry about the whole strings that are attached to marriage. I have a co-worker who is ';married'; but not legally married, they both have been living together for years, and they both have a kid, she changed her last name to his, and they share an account. But they're not legally married. Pretty much only you two will know that this is a commitment to each other. People outside of your relationship will probably think it's stupid. But it should only matter to you.Are there any other respected ways of committing other than engagement/marriage?
There is no force on earth that can keep you and your girlfriend from committing to each other. That is between you and her and no one else. Your relationship would be respected by virtue of your respect to one another.





I'm not sure what you're really asking. If you're not comfortable with the legal aspects of marriage, you wouldn't be any more comfortable with common-law or domestic partnerships. You should be aware that, legally, neither of you would be allowed to make medical decisions for each other without medical power of attorney - and even then it can be overturned by a family member.
HAVE A COMMITMENT CERAMONY. ITS NOT LEGAL. DOESNT HAVE TO BE RELIGIOUS. I HAVE GAY FRIENDS WHO HAVE DONE THIS SINCE MY STATE DOESNT ALLOW MARRIAGE YET. I HAVE ALSO RECOMMENDED IT TO MY FATHER (MY MOM DIED YOUNG AND HE GETS BENEFITS UNTIL HE REMARRIES, WHICH WOULD NOT BE SMART).. YOU CAN INVITE FRIENDS AND HAVE A PARTY AND EVERYTHING JUST TO SHOW YOUR LOVE TO EACH OTHER.
I would research cultural commitment ceremonies... hand fasting maybe? And in response to the above answer - just because you live together and share bills doesn't necessarily mean you have a common-law marriage - the requirements vary state by state.
What you two have together is your own decision. Really, after several months of living together and sharing bills, you are common-law anyway.
There really aren't any other ways that are socially respected as a commitment. I guess maybe living together???
Not really.


Marriage is taking vows, or committing, to each other.


It doesn't have to be religious.


What's uncomfortable about the legal part?
Try giving her a promise ring- It's not an engagement, just a promise to be faithful to each other
Start a business together.
You could pinky promise - that'll do it.