Thank you, Ryan, for among other salient points, making the distinction between an institution and a relationship. they aren't exactly the same. My first marriage was to help a gay friend get his documents. I got paid $1000 to do that. My real marriage was in our living room as was the party. Between the rings, the minister, food and invites, we spent about $1000. So you could say I came out even. If not way more!!! And that is only the surface of those stories....thanks for opening up such a juicy topic!!!