LETTER : Why we wed

Geralsine Bedell asks why we still bother about marriage (Inside Story, 18 August). In attempting to frame an answer, I call to mind John Dryden - "Marriage is a noble daring."

Men and women who embark on it want to affirm their love for each other and their hope for a future life together. That is why they dare to make public their shared commitment. They enter into marriage with love and hope. We believe that morewould survive the ups and downs of life if couples were able to learn how to develop and sustain satisfying, vibrant relationships - with better communications skills, for example.

The pity is that this society does not place enough value on marriage, nor on the commitment couples make, to invest in relationship education and in support services for couples throughout their life together.

Sarah Bowler

Relate, Rugby