December 12, 1995. Puerto Angel, Mexico
when we got married in mexico the ceremony was performed by a man who did
not speak english. the translator was a young woman who seemed inexperienced.
she struggled in places, and it wasn’t always clear what we were agreeing to.
afterwards we were given a sheet of paper titled: Rights And Obligations Of Marriage.
here are some excerpts, typos included:
civil marriage is the only way to initiate and legalize the family and to preserve the
human race, and to try and change the ordinary imperfections of every human
being who is not able to change by himself.
the couple must and will be sacred to each other.
the man’s main attributions are his courage and his strength, and also must
provide food and protection to the woman, always treating her correctly, gently
and with generosity.
the woman’s contributions are her beauty, compassion, intelligence and
tenderness.
each one must respect, trust, fidelity and tenderness.
both must proclaim that what was unexpected from each other before the union will not affect
the relationship.
both of them must be wise detain their faults, always show respect.
in the name of law the society, i declair you married under the law of the civil authorities with
all the rights and obligations that this institute puts at my charge that is the only way to found
and legalize the family and is important that you preserve the family firmly, defending it
against dangers that could rise its stability.