Empty threat. Give her 3 weeks and she'll turn around. Think of it like the awkward teenage years once again and sneak in a self made once she is out.

And hell has no fury like a pissed off female. But then there's always hate sex.

The idea of "soulmate" stems from the Adam and Eve passages. Eve was specifically designed for (and from) Adam. That was the original "marriage". While marriage or a singular person is never guaranteed to anyone, and I don't believe there's "The One" out there. Soulmates don't have to mean that in the sense of a bad romantic comedy. There's a lot to a good partner than predetermination.

I actually had a long conversation about this kind of topic with Wright. Would you be able to live happily with someone forever without being able to have sex at all. I don't think this is quite that situation, but I don't believe that sex is the most important factor in a spouse. I'm kinda rambling and we're drifting more off-topic, but I don't mind rambling over PM.

Edit: As I've researched this a bit more, it seems that this is a rightly contested topic. A couple of more examples, but a good discussion regardless.

Turn the tables, get emotional and ask her: "Aren't you attracted to me anymore? Do you think i'm phat? How can we ever get married if you don't love me anymore".

And that should be the last you hear off that for a while. :-p

In the end, you would marry her because you want to have sex, and that's pretty much it, no other incentives right or in the long run. Also, from what I understand, you are ok with having an informal relationship with her.

So what's the point of a marriage in your case? If she's dead serious, it's time for a talk, which I personally doubt. Someone else here said that you should wait 3 weeks and after that she will have forgotten about her supposed ultimatum. I'd do this.

sick of the concept that you need a lot of money to get married.

people get so focused and obsessed on the superficial parts of marriage. You don't need a thousand dollar cake, or a 10 thousand dollar dress, or a giant banquiet and catering to get married

if two people dig each other enough that they want to be together they can (and probably SHOULD) just run over to a local court and pay the 100$ fee or whatever to make it happen

I get wanting a nice thing with family and friends but you can do a small wedding in a backyard for gods sake and still have that sort of memories. People have this belief that money will make memories more powerful, like luxurious things. that's not the case. My sister got married not long ago next to a giant tree in front of her apartment. It was a great time

I suppose what I'm suggesting is- give her an ultimatum- if she really wants to get married (and you do too?) just run over to the court and get it done. No reason for the drama or complicatinos of claiming you can't afford a wedding. you have a fun party with family and friends and invite them all without having to necessarily involve the huge costs some put into things

what's a disturbing thing to me is that some family's will spend as much on a wedding as a house, or new car, or whatever else. It just seems to be in such poor taste.

I'm rambling but I suppose the simple answer to a simple question is that if you two want to get married it should have very little effect on you saving money or dealing with your kids. 

I think the reality is you probably DON'T want to get married. simple as that

Never get married.

It's just something so outdated and pointless, the only thing it accomplishes is someone taking half your stuff if you break up.

If someone tried to blackmail me, I would end the relationship immediately. Not only is it ridiculous, but if you give in to this, she will think you will give in to anything.

StarOcean said: I wouldn't do "hanky panky" before marriage either to be honest if the one isn't patient enough to wait, then they ain't getting it XD

Never buy a car without a test drive.

You got some smart friends and that's how it should be done. Some people i know spent $100k to $120k. They didn't even enjoy it and had to do it because it is just customary to invite hell lot of people. Even the ones they hate. *shrugs*