Vibrant 'serial monogamist' says there is 'no benefit' to young people getting married these days

Romantic relationships, marriage and the idea of monogamy often spark interesting conversations. As monogamy has been a key part of many cultures' views on relationships, today, what it means and how it's practiced can vary depending on personal choices and changing social views. The same goes for marriage because not everyone today would like to get married when they can spend the rest of their lives with their loved ones without any label. When World Microphone (@worldmicrophoneldn) asked a woman, "What is the benefit of marriage?" she had some mindful advice to share.

She said, "I think these days, there is no benefit. Why get married?" The woman, 80-year-old Sue Kreitzman (@suekreitzman on Instagram), is an American-British artist, curator, cookbook author and television chef, per her website. The interviewer then asked her, "You and your husband, when did you get together?" She revealed, "I was 15, he was 16, that must have been 1955, we got married in 1962." She proudly declared, "I am a fierce monogamist. One man, all those years, we get along really well." But then she dropped the real secret to her long-lasting relationship.

"We don't actually live together," Kreitzman shared. Her husband, a scientist, got his PhD from MIT and lived in Cambridge while she resided in London. They usually met each other for a week or two at a time, but that's it. "We never get on each other's nerves and by the time we have our time together, we really miss each other and enjoy the time," she said. The interviewer, a bit shocked, asked her, "Is that your secret to keep him?" She replied, "Yes, my secret."

Kreitzman's story challenged the conventional wisdom that marriage means living together, day in and day out. She added, "These days, you can have a great relationship that lasts a long time. You don't have to get married. What really bewilders me is young people who say, 'This is my day. I wanted to be special.' They'll spend tens of thousands of pounds on a wedding. How long are you going to be married anyway? You're going to get divorced in a year." She chuckled a bit and said, "I'm very cynical about young people in marriage."

Kreitzman also shared some advice for those people. She said, "Use the money for your life. Think ahead." However, she ended up adding, "But anyway, I'm just an old lady. Who's gonna listen to me?" Kreitzman's perspective is refreshingly blunt and sparked an insightful discussion among people in the comments. "I'm married and don't live with my husband and we live in the same town! Best decision EVER!" said @jadebeallphotography. "I love her!!! My boyfriend and I are in our mid-40s and have never been married. We own a house together and have two poodles. We have an easy and happy little life," added @deeweegie. "I love seeing non-traditional people having success in relationships. There is no one way to live life," wrote @honey_glow_gold.

Some also had different views on the matter. @iamtimberlyk said, "This is a Baby Boomer. They are used to this type of relationship. He takes care of her and pays all her bills, Baby! They will know their man is with another woman and they're ok with it as long as she has the name, paper, ring and money. I'm Gen X! Not built this way. No tolerance. Stay single." @rdknd13 added, "If you won't live together, what is the purpose of being married or in a relationship? One-night stands can be enough."

You can follow World Microphone (@worldmicrophoneldn) on Instagram for more insightful opinions.

You can follow Sue Kreitzman (@suekreitzman) on Instagram for artistic content.