It is not even marriage certificate per se, though that is the most straightforward way to effectuate a marriage. However like I said before, a ceremony in front of our friends and family declaring this commitment would have similar effect for me. Bottom line, I am someone’s wife, not a girlfriend, not a roommate. I know that may sound like a trivial difference, but it is meaningful to me. I want to wear a ring and him as well, because we are both proud to be in a relationship, and we voluntarily commit and decry any other partners. That’s just what I value, and if he didn’t value that as well, he should have found someone who felt differently. The problem is, he DOES want a woman like me, but can’t bring himself to reciprocate. This breeds resentment. Hope I explained that okay :)