Pro athlete establishes his own marriage rules

Tony Gonzalez, of the Kansas City Chiefs has scheduled a"formal commitment ceremony" on July 20 with his girlfriend in Huntington Beach, California. He will profess his love without a formal wedding. "We're not signing any papers," said Gonzalez. "But I wanted the world to know that I love her and want to spend my life with her. I did it the best way for me." I heard about this on a local sports radio show.

Depending on whom you ask, his decision is questionable. You can view it as a fear of commitment on his part or a smart business decision. Gonzalez has been in the NFL for many years and has most likely amassed a fortune for himself. He realizes that a marriage certificate could cost him millions as it has fellow athletes Michael Jordan and Michael Strahan among others. 

With divorce rates being so high these days, Gonzalez may want to avoid the messy legal battles of divorce. If they separate, they can go their separate ways without going in front of a judge. I don't know if there is a right or a wrong answer to this agreement. If both parties have agreed to the arrangement, it should be fine. This type of relationship may start a new trend in marriages without weddings. Couples will stop signing papers and start having "commitment ceremonies." Some couples may prefer this alternative to a legal wedding.