Karen and Rod’s Common-Law Marriage

On Valentine’s Day three years ago, Rod took Karen out for dinner and asked her to live with him. “Move in with me,” he said. “I love you and cannot live without you.” Karen loved Rod too and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, but was disappointed that he had not asked her to marry him. She wanted a traditional marriage – lifelong commitment, children, and a home. Rod sensed her uncertainty and said, “What does a piece of paper have to do with our love for each other? I love you and only you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Love alone should hold a couple together more than a marriage license. And besides, when we both are ready, we can still get married.”

Karen thought about what Rod said. She didn’t want to lose him. “I should follow my heart,” she told herself. “Maybe Rod is right – our love for each other is more important than a marriage license.” So she moved in with Rod. She thought she could build a life with him based on mutual love and personal commitment to each other.

Now, three years later, Rod recently told Karen that he wanted to end their relationship. “We have nothing in common anymore,” he said. “I want a woman who is more exciting than you.” Karen now realizes that when she agreed to live with Rod without marrying, she gave away her dreams of marriage and family to settle for something less than what she wanted. Now, she has to start her life all over again. She knows it won’t be easy – she hasn’t dated anyone for three years, most of her friends are married, and she is older now and less attractive.

Karen now realizes that love isn’t enough to hold two people together. She wishes she had been smarter three years ago and had waited for a marriage proposal from Rod.

1. What is the purpose of marriage?

2. What do most people envision when they speak of a committed traditional marriage?

3. What are the key gender roles of men and women?

4. What is a common-law marriage?

5. What do you think about this kind of arrangement?

6. What is a perfect family for you?

47. Translate the sentences paying attention to the phrases in bold.

1. In my opinion, these family problems are all Bernard’s fault. 2. In my view, no one should be blamed for their parents’ mistakes. 3. As I see it, there are two alternatives. We can either stay with your parents or rent a place. 4. The way I see it, being an only child has both advantages and disadvantages. 5. As far as I can see, he has done nothing to lower our confidence in him. 6. As for me, I hate family holidays, there are always too many arguments. 7. As far as I’m concerned, it would just be a waste of time. 8. Personally, I find it boring to look at old family photographs. 9. Personally, I feel their marriage won’t last more than a year. 10. What I think is, you should never have married her. 11. I think that later-born children have the benefit of more experienced, relaxed parents. 12. In general I think that anger is a sign of weakness and tolerance a sign of strength. (Dalai Lama) 13. I don’t think he meant those things he said – he was just trying to cheer me up. 14. A lot of people are in favour of European unity, but personally, I’m against it. 15. I take the attitude that parents should be encouraged to take more responsibility for their children’s education.