I have been married to my wife for about a year and a half now and we also have 2 daughters.  I agree with some points about marriage being limiting to personal freedom, and to some extent that may be true.  Also it may very well not be natural for humans to have 1 lifelong parter, but i do feel as if it is natural, not just to look to mate (have sex) but also natural to seek a more permanent parter (like dolphins, the only creature who uses more of their brain then us).  I think marriage evolved from this natural type of lasting relationship.

I also think it can be extremely important for the children, and that is another reason for marriage.  It creates a more stable lifestyle for the kids, and although not easy, makes the best family situation in my opinion.  I know for me, seeing my daughter every other weekend simply would not cut it.

It should go without saying that you must simply be really careful about who you make that kind of commitment to. Every couple has their fights, but if excessive fighting is part of your relationship, and your companion has the tendancy to flip out and try to hurt you (Im going to call the cops on your mushroom grow!)  Then they are not a good canidate for a lifelong companionship.

I think the best partner is not necessaraly someone who is like you and shares your interests and all that.  It definetly can help but most important is a kind warm hearted personality, that cares for you and your offspring too much to hurt them.

I have no regrets about entering the union of marriage and I am proud to be a family man.  If only muggles (non nexians) are reproducing and having families, then the world will be full of even more idiots!  a joke, but it is our duty to contribute to the future of the human race.