We have recently, I think, accommodated to the current fad for 'partnerships' in place of marriage with the institutionalisation of certain agreements. contracts, &c ~~ tho why those who want such can't just get a civil marriage which has long existed for such purposes I cannot conceive. My marriages have not been religious, as I·am/we·are not. But marriages they were/are just the same, with the respectful-to-one's-chosen-partner commitment thus implied, not bloody 'contractual partnerships' or any such pusillanimous compromises.
What makes you so peculiarly respectful of such, Gnu?

~M~