I am a 25 year old guy with a 23 year old girlfriend. We have been dating for 3+ years.

As of now, things are going great and she is doing a good job of displaying NAWALT and motherly qualities. I can absolutely see her being the mother of my children. Previous to discovering this sub and the MGTOW movement, I did not have a problem with the institution of marriage. I would have definitely considered marrying this women prior to discovering this sub. Now, I am not so sure anymore. The arguments against marriage that I see here are extremely convincing, and have turned me off from it completely. I have recently dropped hints that I do not intend to ever marry (making it clear that I am against marriage in general, not just with her), and she has said that marriage is something she definitely wants in her future.

At this point, I feel terrible because I feel like I am wasting her time. I really do love this woman and want the best for her. I don't want her wasting her best years on me if it won't lead to what she wants. I enjoy my time with her and want our relationship to last as long as possible, but she could be using this time to take advantage of her looks to secure the highest quality husband.

Should I do her a favor and walk? Should I sit down and have a real conversation with her, telling her that I don't want marriage and she is free to leave if she wants?

Another thing to consider: I live in California where common law does not exist. I am sure that, like most women, she wants marriage mostly for the wedding ceremony and the status that marriage brings. At this point she doesn't care about the law and sure as hell isn't already planning on divorcing me like some sort of long con. Is it possible to have a wedding ceremony (without signing a contract) and live together and have children WITHOUT involving the law (thus protecting me from divorce rape)?