Should a Marriage License Require a Test?
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If we had to take a test before we could marry, how many of us would pass?
Let’s say there were 20 questions each about finances, parenting and conflict resolution. Sixty basic questions to demonstrate comprehension before promising to love, honor and cherish for the rest of our life.
No essay required – just multiple choice questions like the ones we have to get right before we’re legally allowed to be behind the wheel of a car.
Here’s what’s interesting. For a driver’s license, you have to take driver’s education, pass the written test and a road test with an official of the DMV. One missed turn signal or a rolling stop at a railroad crossing and you fail. Then you have to take the test again.
Contractors, doctors, engineers, lawyers, plumbers, psychologists, cosmetologists, massage therapists, hairdressers – just about anyone who intends to affect the physical or emotional well-being of other people needs to get some education and pass a test before being granted a license to practice.
Not so with marriage or parenting. Two people with no demonstrated skills at what they’re planning to do can marry at will. All you need is an ID and cash to pay for the license. No permission, testing or demonstrated competence is required for having a baby and being a parent for 18 years.
Learning how to parent is the essence of on-the-job training. Maybe love and good intentions counterbalance the lack of knowledge and experience.
As for my hairdresser, doctor and lawyer, I want to see a license to practice.
2 Comments
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A brilliant, common-sense idea that would not only strengthen marriages but get them off on the right foot. Just think of the pain and money that would be spared if people went into a marriage with eyes open, with crucial information already learned. I bet the divorce rate would plummet.
Comment by Mary Alice Kellogg — March 2, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
conversly,showing photos of what people looked like in their prime years, and stating such in the obituary, may have its value. Older age has its wisdom, dignity,and peer respect, but not always the looks to go with it. Jim.
Comment by Jim Charnes — March 8, 2008 @ 9:41 am