It’s hard to pinpoint the moment something shifts from unfashionable to taboo, but it feels as if we’re there. With a “hot divorcee summer” on the horizon, more than half of single American women believing they’re happier than their spliced sisters, and nearly 70% of college-educated singles pessimistic about finding the right partner, what was once vanilla has become a baked alaska hot take. Even having a boyfriend has been deemed embarrassing, so steel yourselves: this is controversial. I write, dear reader, in praise of marriage.

Wait! Please! Put down your torches and pitchforks for a moment, and hear me out. I’m not advocating for any kind of tradwife nonsense, or unobtainable romcom fantasy. I’m talking normal, ordinary, messy, cosy, frustrating marriage.

If you’ve never been tempted or are certain you are not interested – as you were. This isn’t for you. But if you like the idea but are too ashamed to admit it, listen up.

There is no denying that this rudimentary union is now desperately uncool, the opposite of aspirational, the........

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