I don't know why you consider it weird. DH and I have been together since 1994 and we're married in everyone's eyes except the State's.
Well, Oak I know of no one else face to face who have been together and in love with their partner for over 20 yrs. but not married on paper. I just know face to face, couples who live together for several years and then get married.

So it's nice to know some ladies here who have a long, long faithful union ...who are like myself and dearie, that have outlived some marriages. (His former marriage was 19 yrs. long.)