Marriage Expectations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marriage Expectations - Essay Example There are also some people who don’t want a marriage contract, because they see it as something that is just basically preparing for divorce, like a prenuptial agreement. To others, however, a marriage contract can have lasting symbolic value. â€Å"A marriage contract for some symbolizes the rational ability of a couple to have a business partnership. For others, marriage contracts symbolize betrayal, lack of trust, or insecurity. Symbols are the emotional meaning and interpretation with which we see the world.† (Ausman, 2009). The following are some points that I would stipulate in my own marriage contract. In terms of the division of household labor, I would negotiate a fair division by following the rule of halves. It does not really matter to me who does which chores, the man or the woman. I think it is funny that just because someone is a woman, they are expected to do the cooking and cleaning, as if a man can’t cook or run a laundry machine. Similarly, there is no law that says women are too fragile for yard work, or that they can’t fix cars. So I don’t think that the chores should be gender divided, but I do think that they should be divided. In terms of sexual responsibilities for each partner, I don’t think that this is something that should be under contractual obligation for anyone. It is not the way I think of sex. If partners are worried that they can’t conceive together, I think they should have a blood test, instead of putting something in a contract about being prepared for that eventuality. There should be a rough agreement as to how m any children, with room for a change of decision. And in terms of childcare, as mentioned above, I am not traditional about gender roles here: I feel that the man should share in childcare and raising activities: not just playing catch in the backyard, but also feeding, changing diapers, etc. One thing I am traditional about,