Would you consider marriage again?

I never believed in divorce and dealt with far more in my marriage than I should have. Eventually, over a decade deep, it ended. I told myself I’d never get myself in a place to be stuck of have to do something I disagree with (divorce) ever again.

Then I met The One.

He is also divorced after a long marriage. Before we even got involved, I told him I didn’t plan to marry again and if marriage is something he wants, we shouldn’t waste each other’s time. He said at the time, and for the few years we’ve been together since, that he wants only me, and he will marry me if I want that or just spend his life with me if I don’t. I believe him.

Occasionally I reconsider my feelings about marriage. Being a wife was such an important part of my life before, and I loved being married. I now know my experience turned out the way it did because of my spouse, not because I wasn’t a good wife or didn’t enjoy marriage. A huge part of me misses being a wife and wishes I had given that part of myself to The One. I’m not opposed to marrying him, I just don’t know if I want to get myself into that again if my relationship can be equally fulfilling without being legally bound. Sometimes I even wear rings on my left hand. I AM committed to him and want people to know that.

Also occasionally (twice in the last 6 months) he says “I want to marry you” or “Will you marry me?” It’s not a proposal, just a conversation. I’m starting to think he truly wants to be married to me, or at least would prefer it to our current arrangement (which is very much committed and exclusive). His preference isn’t enough to change my mind, and I know it isn’t an ultimatum for him, nor is this a major situation in our relationship right now.

Can anyone lend any insight? I know a lot of people swear off marriage after divorce, and I know many of those change their minds. I wonder if they regret that choice later and wish they had stayed unmarried? I don’t know if there’s really a case for marriage anymore, but I also don’t necessarily have any compelling reasons not to be married either. I guess I’m just embarrassed and disappointed my first one failed. (I have zero doubt The One is my partner for the rest of my life.)