Brief background - DP and I are both in our 50's, both been married twice, both first marriages were at a young age and brief, both second marriages were to partners we were with for over 20 years. My children are mid teens and live with me 50% of the time, his are adults and independent. We have been together 3 years, don't live together but intend to, maybe in a year or so.
We have a great relationship that's weathered some difficult times, are very happy and both know that we want to spend the rest of our lives together.
My issue is this, when we were first together I wasn't that long out of my last marriage (that I had ended). I was really adamant that I didn't want to get married ever again. Also, marriage has never been important to him in terms of being more committed to a relationship. Now however I'm feeling that I would like us to be married at some point but I'm not entirely sure why and whether it's for the right reasons.
It's definitely not that I want a wedding. I'd want something very small.
I'm worried that it's because he's married two other women so I want to have the same 'status' they had - that seems petty and jealous. I'm not at all insecure in our relationship.
I'm worried that both of getting married for the third time is faintly ridiculous.
I feel like getting married would be a line under things and a 'this is us forever' moment - which seems mad as we both know being married signifies nothing of the sort.
We talk about most things and are very open and honest with each other even when it's not easy but I'm worried about raising it with him because I'm afraid of how I'll feel if it's not something he wants. It definitely wouldn't be a deal breaker for me but I'm afraid that something will diminish. But writing that I realise that will happen anyway if it's what I want but I never tell him.
Why does it marriage matter to me? I don't need the financial protection it offers. It offers no guarantee of 'happy ever after'. I feel silly for wanting it.