Erlin and Diana aren't married

I’m not trying to sound like some red-pill guy here, but I do think marriage isn’t always the obvious “best” move people make it out to be.

Erlin and Diana — as far as we know — live together and have a kid, but there’s no actual proof they’re legally married. And legally speaking, that distinction matters.

When you’re dealing with the government, being married vs. unmarried can change how you’re treated on paper. In some cases, staying unmarried can make it easier to qualify for certain programs, because a lot of benefits are based on individual or household income, not whether you’re in a relationship.

Some examples:

•	Medicaid / CHIP – Based on income (individual or household).

•	SNAP (food stamps) – Based on household size and income.

•	SSDI – Based on disability status and work history, not whether you’re married.

•	Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Can be claimed individually depending on how you file.

•	WIC – Available to qualifying pregnant women and children regardless of marital status.

I’m not saying marriage is bad across the board. I’m just saying that from a financial and legal standpoint, it’s not always as simple as “get married = better.” In some situations, being legally single can actually be more advantageous depending on income, benefits, and taxes.