Uncle Sam Wants You to Say “I Do”

Government launching campaign to promote marriage.

They're always arguing, and spending way more than they make, but now federal lawmakers are giving advice on how to have a healthy marriage.

The U.S. government is launching a $5 million media campaign touting the healthy benefits of marriage.

"In this tight economy, if the government is spending money to encourage people to get married, I think they're spending it in the wrong place," said Fort Worth resident Will Elliott.

Ads will begin running on Facebook, Myspace and YouTube this month, targeting 18-to 30-year-old singles, claiming marriage leads to greater wealth, better health and more happiness.

"It is healthy, for a man and a woman," said Arlington resident Joe Thompson. "Because it's God's natural law."

Statistics show that fewer people are taking those age-old vows. In 1986, there were 10 marriages per 1,000 people, compared to just 7 per 1,000 people in 2008.

"It hasn't really hit me to think about getting married yet," said 26-year-old Josh Tipton. "I just enjoy the single life, I think we're more career oriented."

The campaign is spearheaded by the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, which has also launched the Web site, twoofus.org,  offering relationship tips for couples.

And while many are still finding love in marriage, others say their happily ever after doesn't have to come with an "I do."

"I'm very happy," said single Fort Worth resident Cissy Nixon,  "I have a great job, I work in downtown Fort Worth, and it's great."

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