Is Marriage Itself Outdated?

I recently read an article that argues against with-holding marriage rights to lesbian/gay couples, but points out that marriage -- in and of itself -- is not the panacea we're often led to believe it is. Consider this quote:

So what are we to make of marriage? It is both a deeply personal relationship for which people will make almost unthinkable sacrifices, and it is a declining social institution offering little security for most who enter it.

Those of us who've endured infidelity often find our eyes opened to the reality of marriage -- the truth that the person who promised to love, honor and cherish just might not live up to that promise. I often hear betrayed wives note that they "lost their innocence". Sadly, life is messy. And often painful. But if we can use our painful experiences -- indeed all experiences -- to reconsider our convictions and recreate our boundaries (or in some cases, create boundaries in the first place!), then it's an important lesson learned.

Read the entire article here and weigh in with your thoughts. Is marriage outdated? Is it becoming meaningless? I can't wait to share your thoughts...