For now or forever: Thoughts on monogamy and marriage

1. What is your marital status?

• Married
• Engaged
• Single
• Not married and not engaged, but the relationship is serious

2. How old are you?

• 18-24
• 25-35
• 36-45
• 46+

3. If you could travel the world for free and stay single your whole life or get married to the person of your dreams tomorrow, which would you choose?

• Europe, here I come!
• The man – I want someone to share my travels with no matter how minor they might be.

4. Do you think a proposal should be intricate, planned and grandiose or spontaneous and simple?

• Give me the works!
• I like things simple with a touch of romance — it’s the thought that counts
• Who cares? I’m engaged!

5. Did your parents have a lasting marriage?

• Their marriage is going strong.
• They divorced when I was so young that I don’t remember them as a couple.
• They divorced when I was an adult.
• They were never married.

6. Do you believe that it’s possible to live happily ever after, a la the fairytales?

• Yes, I AM living out my fairytale!
• I do believe, but I’m still waiting for my Prince Charming.
• I lost hope three boyfriends ago.

7. Does your relationship status matter on Facebook?

• It’s not official unless Facebook says so!
• It’s a nice reassurance, but I’d never make him do it.
• I (or my man) don’t have a Facebook.

8. Would you ever propose to your man?

• Yes!
• No!
• I'd consider it... but I'd drop hints to him first.

9. Have you ever considered crashing an ex’s wedding?

• Been there, done that.
• I've considered it, but I’ve never done it.
• Never — we ended things for a reason and I’d like to leave it that way.
• Oh, please; none of my exes are marriage material.

10. Diagnose your last relationship:

• We're still friends.
• Comfortable and safe, but not very passionate
• Thank God we’re through!
• It could never work, but I want him back.
• Does a one-nighter constitute “my last relationship”?

11. Diagnose your current relationship:

• A major improvement from my last relationship, but something is missing.
• It makes me miss my ex.
• He’s the one!
• It’s too early to tell.
• I go on dates here and there, but wouldn't consider any of them relationships.

12. Have you ever dated someone as a placeholder, just waiting for something better to come along?

• Yes
• No
• Yep — and then someone did

13. Where does cheating begin?

• Flirting with other women on a regular basis.
• A kiss on the lips, no matter how innocent it was.
• It’s not cheating unless the clothes come off.

14. Is it still important for him to seek the father’s blessing before proposing?

• Absolutely
• Not by my book
• Not to me, but to my family

15. Were you disappointed with the engagement ring? (Skip, if irrelevant)

• Yes, but I kept my mouth shut.
• Yes, and we had it exchanged.
• He picked exactly what I always dreamed of.
• It wasn’t my dream ring, but it was still beautiful.

16. In your opinion, how soon is too soon to get married after divorce?

• You need at least a couple of months.
• Anything under a year is too soon.
• Start dating the day your divorce is official — after that, a woman deserves it.

17. Could you marry someone with kids from a previous marriage?

• If it was the right man, in a heartbeat...
• Never; I’m not cut out for motherhood.
• Only if I was over 30.

18. Does it have to be a diamond ring or would you prefer a different material?

• Diamonds are required for my hand in marriage.
• I’d prefer that it was not a diamond.
• Whatever he picks is a win for me.

19. Should a couple move in together before the wedding?

• Absolutely
• Never

20. Was there a precise moment when you knew he was “The One”? (Skip, if irrelevant)

• I can still remember the moment perfectly.
• Not really; it progressed over time.
• I’m still questioning whether we ever should have tied the knot.

21. Did you get cold feet?

• A small case, but I got over it quickly.
• I almost pulled a Julia Roberts in "Runaway Bride"
• I wasn’t nervous at all!

22. Would you rather have a destination wedding with fewer guests or more guests and a location close to home?

• Destination all the way — I don’t care if Grandma Betty can’t make it.
• Close to home so more people can attend.

23. Have you ever turned down a proposal?

• I’ve never been proposed to
• Yes
• No

24. Would you marry someone of a different faith?

• Love trumps religion every time.
• Yes, but my family would disown me.
• No; if he doesn’t share my faith, it’s a deal-breaker.

25. Would you marry someone with a different political affiliation?

• Yes — love is love
• Not a chance

26. Could you marry him knowing your mother disapproved?

• Yes; that would make him more appealing.
• No; my mom’s opinion is too important.
• Yes, but it would break my heart a little.
• Yes, but if my father did not approve, it would be a different story.

27. Would you rather know the proposal was on the way or be completely surprised?

• I hate surprises; I’ll need a heads up so I can make sure to wear my waterproof mascara!
• It would ruin the proposal if there were no element of surprise.
• I’m married and I wish he would have given me a hint about the engagement.
• I’m married and I wish he could have surprised me with our engagement.

29. How old were you when you FIRST got married? (Skip, if irrelevant)

• 18-24
• 25-35
• 36-45
• 46+

30. Would you ever elope?

• Yes
• No
• I did!
• I wish I had.

31. Classify your wedding experience.

• Dream come true.
• A few hiccups, but still a wonderful affair.
• The mishaps made it all the more special and memorable.
• Absolute nightmare!
• It kind of came and went — nothing spectacular.

32. If your spouse cheated on you, would you try to see the marriage through?

• If he was willing to try, I think I could forgive him. After all, don't some couples come out of those situations stronger?
• No, I would end it.
• I would try, but something tells me I couldn't entirely forgive.

33. Did having kids hurt the romance in your marriage? (Skip, if irrelevant)

• For a short while, but we got back in the groove.
• Nope, it improved my marriage.
• Yes, and we’re still in a romantic funk. Help!

34. What is your household's average yearly income?

• Under $15,000
• $15,000-$30,000
• $30,000-$45,000
• $45,000-$60,000
• $60,000-$80,000
• $80,000-$100,000
• $100,000+
• $200,000+

35. What is your political affiliation?

• Democrat
• Republican
• Moderate

36. Did you graduate from college?

• Yes
• No