Evolving idea of marriage

When discussing modern marriage, most people, including The Times’ Mary McNamara, do not include any mention of how the whole “marriage” thing came about [“Let’s Talk About Marital Reality,” Aug. 18].

Going back to primitive men and women, each had a very primitive need. Men wanted to procreate and needed someone to care for those children. Women had babies who needed food and protection. This agreement evolved over time, as society changed and people lived longer.

My marriage just passed the 55-year mark, which would have horrified my younger self, who couldn’t imagine being this old. People need to review the concept of lifetime marriage to the same person.

Realizing this could take the stigma off what is seen as a “failed” marriage. Instead, for most, the time married was a success and if people later changed, then a review of a marriage could be justified. Laura Newman

Santa Barbara