While saying “I do” is not for every couple, there are many who want their S.O.

Reddit usershmarcussssasked, “What’s the benefit of being married over just being together forever?”

Here’s what people had to say:

1.

A bride and groom embrace at their wedding. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers while the groom's hand is placed on her back

“I think it’s a sign of commitment.

u/avast2006

3.

“Anything where you potentially have to step into a courtroom.

Anne Hathaway dressed as bride in "Bride Wars"

Divorce, will, insurance, taxes, etc.

If you are one entity you want the legal system to treat you as such.”

“I find it comforting that we’re married.

A close-up shot of a judge's gavel resting on its block

It’s the commitment that I made and the feeling that she committed to me.

It just feels so secure.

u/discreet1

5.

Vanessa Williams dressed as a bride in a scene from "Ugly Betty"

We are each other’s family, not just partners.

It means he is dependable and I’m his come hell or high water.

It’s not just about the will, hospital rights, or tax.

Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams as bride and groom in "The Vow"

It’s damn near everything.

At least that’s how it is for me.”

6.“Divorce.

Alyson Hannigan and Jason Biggs dancing as bride and groom in "American Wedding"

If you do split, having a legal system to divide assets and assure support is super important.”

u/sdvneuro

7.

“It made my wife happy to be married as opposed to just together forever.”

Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling walking down the street together in vintage attire in a scene from "The Notebook"

“You don’t have to be added as a second driver when renting a car!

That’s a surprise perk I found.”

u/SpecificLife8988

9.

A blurred hospital hallway with closed doors and safety signs. No people are present

“The commitment and love we share, whether we are married or not, is what truly matters.

Marriage can provide legal advantages and social acknowledgment.”

“Residency or citizenship if your flame is from another country.”

Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kim Cattrall in fancy gowns in a scene from "Sex and the City: The Movie"

u/TenNinetythree

11.

“We lived together for 25+ years and decided to get married for legal reasons.

When you get older you have to think about afterlife decisions.”

Constance Wu and Henry Golding hugging in a scene from "Crazy Rich Asians"

u/gumyrocks22

13.

“The right to make medical decisions for them if they can’t”

14. u/Fabulous_Tadpole_774

15.

“You get to call someone your spouse and have an excuse for a big party every anniversary.”

Mandy Moore and Shane West cuddle on a picnic blanket in a scene from "A Walk to Remember"

u/blackmobius

17.

“Being married adds a little glue to the relationship.”

“Your family won’t be constantly asking when you’re getting married.”

Our self-focused culture has radically abandoned responsibility, commitment, and fidelity.

If you’ve committed and meant it, you should WANT to announce that commitment.

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.