Miss Manners: The time when it was acceptable to judge unmarried couples for living together has long passed

An etiquette column argues society treats aging as shameful, prompting people, especially women, to conceal their age and avoid questions. It also questions criticism of cohabiting parents seeking large weddings, noting that modern ceremonies compensate for fewer life transitions, reflect media-influenced spectacle, and offer a public celebration of marital status despite prior cohabitation or children.