[daepp]

I think the author makes some great points.

I will try not to PARF this, but mynfaith tradition emphasizes the vow part (i.e. life long promise) in front of witnesses (family and friends) and God.

A wise old Jew ased me what was my role at my friend's wedding. I gave some poor answer about the job of best man. He informed me that it was your duty as a friend to help your buddy stay married. If you are truly a friend and believe marriage is a good thing, that sounded right to me. I don't know about you but I know there have been plenty of times in my life that I could have encouraged a friend to do something that would have been bad for his marriage. And vice versa.

And further, I always go all out when friends celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. Marriage is hard, but it's good for kids and it's Good for society.

My $.02 anyways.