I think it's probably just down to the fact that you're 'locked in' so to speak so feel you can be a little bit more expressive 

.. i hope.  but there will certainly accompany stress and pressure

As someone older in a relationship with someone (22 yrs) younger, I worry about this day arriving for us as well. I know that I'll be gone long before he is, and that has inspired me to start making sure now that he will be financially and emotionally prepared. Thank you for sharing this with us, and congratulations on your long, loving relationship. It's an inspiration to us all.

@raphjd: Personally, I think everyone should live together for at least a year before getting married.   This way the "newness" of the relationship has worn off and you aren't constantly trying to impress each other. This. It also makes easier to talk things out, as you have now a pretty grounded idea of how your prospective partner is truly like.  I do believe there are things that must be discussed before tying the knot though, also there are issues that will be needed to be discussed as your relationship progresses. Btw, OP, do you happen to have a link to that NYT article? Wanna check it out. :3

That's a lot you've shared there, Ellis. Thank you for giving a deeper insight into your circumstance and how things have been going so far. As gaypraha2 said- your life has been great, and many people don't even have that. It's good to recognize how lucky you've been- to have not one but (if I understand it right) at least 2 significant long term relationships that have lasted longer than some marriages I know of. I would suggest you take comfort and solace in that knowledge for the inevitable sorrows that lie ahead. Inevitable because that's how life goes- if you follow a story long enough, there can only be the painful partings that come with the end of a lifetime. We all will have to come to terms with that, each in our own way. I just watched Lars and the Real Girl- thanks to you- since I never heard of it and never would have even looked for it if not for your posts about it here. The story moved me because it ultimately spoke about letting go of certain things- fear of loss for one- and the good thing that comes with facing your fears is that you grow as a person- and in the end, that's what life is really about. Honestly, I envy what you've got-my longest relationship to date lasted 7 years, and then we parted as friends but the pain of loss is still there. I find this part of my journey, solitary as it is, rewarding in its own way. I will definitely try again in the future- and even if marriage isn't possible in my country- I want something that will last a lifetime. In closing- as it says in the quote at the bottom of this page- life is short- tell everyone you love how you feel, while they are still there to hear it. And even if life is scary- don't let it stop you from living. Cheers! 

@raphjd: I agree with marriage tests when it applies to immigration, but not in general. Ditto. I think it's ridiculous under any other legal circumstances, though. Marriage between legal citizens should not be treated like an episode of The Newlywed Game for the sake of state approval or validation. Granted, lots of people get married for the wrong reasons. Some people even do it with malicious, self-serving ulterior motives. But that shouldn't mean that everyone has to have big daddy government's blessing just to get married.

FYI, this is NOT the first time the judge has been removed from office. Last time was over a 10 Commandments sculpture. However, it is a elected position and they keep voting the idiot back in.

check the AEC tally as of 4.26pm Sat 74 seats  + Bob Katter's support  to the LNP will mean there is no hung parliament , Australia is stuck with Turnbull(shit) 66 to the ALP with no preferences from the indies or the greens. there won't be a plebiscite and there will not be a shift to gay marriage anytime soon not under LNP the majority of Australia has said no to gay marriage regardless to what lefties think or feel if the case was the reverse , the vast majority of votes would have either gone to the greens or the ALP Bob Katter has stated that he will support the LNP and push them into the House of Reps but he will not if they push for gay marriage.

@leeniedo: Devil-obsessed Colorado congressman Gordon Klingenschmitt (R) has said that same-sex marriages are bad because “homosexuality is based on lust http://www.towleroad.com/2016/06/gordon-klingenschmitt-gay-marriage-is-not-a-civil-right-because-its-about-bedroom-stuff-video/ There's freedom in speech too.. So, who cares?

Thank you so much

Agree to a lot of this. Also that it is rather obvious that the use of this is to protect a status quo; something that is (believed to be) consistent and unchanging. but it's not. And we have thrown numerous 'traditional' systems and cultures for newer, more improved ones. Why not marriage? ESPECIALLY because of marriage's role in a lot of people? Because of its effect, whether emotionally, psychologically, financially, spiritually, physically. Why not marriage.

Fascinating, thanks for the info

I reckon they may well pass in some states