Gay marriage is an extremely controversial topic. There are very strong feelings on both sides of the issue. It is an issue that entangles legal rights and religious beliefs, always a volatile mix. This article will list ten facts that are commonly given as reasons for gay marriage.

1. Divorce protection. Married couples who decide to end their relationship must do so through the court system. This protects the two parties from inequitable division of assets and liabilities that have been held jointly. This protection is not available to unmarried gay couples or unmarried heterosexual couples, though they can certainly enter into contractual agreements in regards to their relationships that would provide the same or better protection to their rights.
2. Bereavement leave.  Whether it is paid or unpaid, almost every employer allows for time off from work for the bereavement of your spouse or other close family members. Couples, whether gay or straight, who do not have a marriage certificate, are dependent upon the compassion of their employers to provide them a similar benefit, should their life partner die.
3. Survivor benefits. Social security and many pension plans provide survivor benefits to surviving spouses, another benefit not available to unmarried couples.
4. Tax benefits.  There are many different tax benefits that are offered to married couples, such as filing jointly, that a gay couple does not have access to without marriage. Again, the same is true for unmarried heterosexuals.
5. Insurance benefits. Although this has changed with a few employers and insurance companies, most insurance benefits that are available to an employee’s spouse or family members are not available to an employee’s life partner.
6. Sick leave to care for a partner. State and federal laws provide protection for worker’s jobs when they need to take time off to care for family members for medical reasons. Without the benefit of marriage, these laws do not provide the same protection for unmarried couples.
7. Stability of relationships. There are those who would argue that entering into a marriage relationship that is recognized legally, and by society in general, would bring greater stability to some gay couples. With the high rate of divorce and marriage conflict among heterosexual couples, this argument would imply that the same would not apply to gay couples, which seems unlikely.
8. Validation of family unit. This reason for gay marriage is much more societal than the ones that relate to monetary and legal benefits listed above. Proponents of gay marriage would argue that a legal and recognized marriage would legitimize their family unit in the eyes of society, which would be emotionally beneficial to a gay couple and any children in the household. The truth to this can only be theorized, as with any other major change to the norm of society.
9. Relational ties to extended family.  Conventional marriage relationships become easily translated into inlaws, aunts and uncles. Non-married couples can be left without these inclusive family titles that have always come via marriage. With the increase of heterosexual couples that have chosen not to marry, this issue, again, is not exclusive to gay couples.
10. Cultural change.  When all the reasons for gay marriage are brought together, they boil down to this one. Proponents for gay marriage believe that there needs to be a change in how modern society views and relates to homosexuals. Legalizing gay marriage is considered to be a major step in bringing about that change. It is also the reason why those who do not feel that homosexuality is acceptable, for religious or other reasons, take such a strong stand against it.

The affect of the legalization of gay marriage on society is something that can only be speculated at. First of all, no one knows how many gay couples would choose to enter into a marriage relationship, if it were available. The initial influx into the marriage ranks might be large to begin with, but whether or not the trend would continue is hard to judge. The financial impact of such a major shift in private and governmental benefits cannot be accurately calculated, but it would certainly be significant, as would the impact on society in general. The legalization of gay marriage, as shown above, would be a major cultural change that affects many more lives than the gay community itself. The debate over this issue will not be quickly or easily settled, nor should it be.

Dating has changed a lot over the years.  In bygone years men used to court a woman by sending her a specific flower that meant that he was interested.  Dates did not consist of a man and a woman only, there was a chaperone along to watch out for the virtue of the woman.  Then as the years went on those old fashioned ways gave way to meeting a girl and calling her up and asking her out on a date.  These days with computers and cell phones the dating scene has changed yet again.  Online dating sites have become so popular that more than half a million people found meaningful relationships online.  Check out 10 misconceptions about online dating sites.

1. Only losers use online dating sites: This isn’t true because you will eventually have to meet in person and it won’t go well if you don’t have adequate social skills to meet people in real life.  Online dating just facilitates the meetings to bring likeminded people together.
2. Online dating is dangerous: Online dating is less dangerous than meeting someone in a bar or other hang out.  When you meet someone online there’s usually some background information given and some back and forth e-mails have taken place before the date is set.
3. Online dating is all about hooking up: Choices about whether to sleep together is the same whether you meet them on the bus or online.  It’s a personal decision and one that you need to make for yourself.
4. Online dating is all about finding love: Not really, it’s about finding someone to hang out with and date once or twice.  People are bored and want to meet new people to have fun with.
5. People are generally satisfied with their online dating experience: Statistics show that about 20% of online daters have rated their online dating experience as satisfied or very satisfied.
6. Online dating is expensive: There are some sites that are free.  Online dating does not have to be expensive.
7. You never meet any good singles online: People that date online are the same people that you might meet at work or church, but they just don’t have the time or they are shy about approaching a potential date.  Meeting online kind of breaks the ice.
8. The more clients an online site has the better: Not necessarily because many profiles are not true or updated.  Larger sites don’t monitor their clients as well as a smaller site might.
9. Everyone lies on their profile: It’s a harsh reality that some people lie whether they are finding a date online or in a bar.  Some people are just liars.  The truth is that most people tell the truth online because they hope to actually get together with someone and it might be obvious when they show up for their date and don’t look like a Barbie doll.
10. Online dating is impersonal: Sometimes online dating can be more personal than face-to-face dating.  People are not as nervous when typing online and may tell you more about themselves than you might get over dinner and a movie.  Just as in face-to-face dating you will find losers, but you may just find THE ONE.

One of the great things about dating someone who shares your enthusiasm for an active lifestyle is that you’ve got a healthy list of options when you’re making plans for a date.

Here’s a list of 10 date ideas for you and that special someone you met in yoga class:

1. Orienteering – Here’s an activity that combines map navigating and racing or, at a more casual level, hiking. There are events that involve all sorts of transportation including on bike, skis, horseback, even  canoeing.
2. SCUBA Classes – Contrary to popular misconceptions, certification for SCUBA diving is neither very expensive nor time-consuming. For no more than the cost of a few golf lessons, you can be certified to dive in less than a week. And think of all the terrific vacation possibilities it would create for the two of you. Learn about diving at PADI.
3. Sign Up for a Benefit Walk – Check your local area for any charity events that include a walk, or half-marathon. The combination of healthy activity with a worthy cause can help more than just your relationship grow.
4. Driving Range – Inexpensive, fun, and an excellent way to hone your swing – or gain a little confidence, if you’re interested in hitting the course for the first time.
5. Tour Your City on Foot – If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve taken your hometown for granted. Planning a trip to the tourist highlights is a great opportunity to develop not only a greater appreciation for home, but your calves as well.
6. Ice Skating – or rollerskating, provides a healthy, inexpensive activity with just the right balance of conversation and diversion. Skill level is unimportant here, especially since less of it usually translates to more laughs.
7. Cycling – Find a trail, or a cyclists’ club and hit the road on bicycle. See all that scenery that usually flies past your windshield unnoticed.
8. Dancing – Whether it’s tango or ballroom dancing lessons, or some impromptu moves ofyour own at a nightclub, there’s no better way to get closer.
9. Bowling – The casual atmosphere and no-pressure vibe make for a very relaxed date. If your bowling is on a par with mine, it also makes for some cheap laughs. Bonus points for joining a beer league.
10. Visit a Sporting Goods Store – A trip to a Bass Pro Shop, Sea and Ski, or Dick’s Sporting Goods can be a blast with the right company. If there’s a rock wall or a boat display, so much the better.

The bottom line in dating is to develop an understanding of one another that hopefully leads to a lasting relationship. Sharing that time in healthy activities means, regardless of whether he or she turns out to be “the one”, you’ll both be the better for it just the same.