text: In these times, a legal marriage isn’t necessary to be considered a Committed couple if they’ve been together for that long.  Apparently, his family had a low opinion of HER, however, because of the lack of a legal marriage, even though HE was half of the relationship.  It is sad, IMO.  They obviously accepted her gifts all those years and acted as though they shared her affection, while obviously they looked down on her because she wasn’t “married” to their family member.  I’m just sure they consider themselves a good “Christian” family, too.  Judgmental bunch.