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Complete PICLE corpus of essays by Polish advanced EFL students (330,000)
/^t/Cohabitation as a complete alternative to the married state seems to offer more freedom and a painless end to an unsuccessful relationship without any legal obstacles. It has of course its own laws but these may be easily broken if only it is necessary. Consequently, a couple whose relationship has not worked out simply part without long periods of waiting for a divorce or legal division of their mutual property. It is marriage, however, that due to every day compromises holds spouses together ensuring their protection under the law. Thus, although it is usual for every couple to go through a bad patch, in case of married partners this does not immediately end in a break-up so a divorce is only a last resort. This is so because marriage teaches people the art of compromise and self-sacrifice that helps them survive crises. Aiming at their own happiness and their children's future, they are able to play down the differences between them at the cost of their personal freedom instead of simply separating as cohabitants usually do. Besides, marriage is protected and favoured by legal systems in all countries. The marital state creates a safety net especially for women who even nowadays are regarded as second rate citizens in some countries. It affords women protection under the law as their husbands, even after divorce, have financial obligations towards them. They also acquire an important social status that accompanies being a wife. Moreover, such legal procedures as property rights, citizenship or inheritance claims are easier to regulate when the point of reference is a formally married couple.