Mad Men: Why did Don Draper marry Anna?

The available evidence suggests that Don Draper married Anna out of a deep friendship and connection that developed between them. After Anna discovered the truth about Don's stolen identity, they became close friends and confidantes. Despite moving on with his life and marrying Betty, Don maintained a strong bond with Anna. When he expressed feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction with his life, Anna provided him with understanding and support. Their relationship seemed to bring out the best in Don, allowing him to be his true self without hiding anything. Anna's passing left Don devastated as she was the only person who truly understood him.Analysis:The question of why Don Draper married Anna is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, their marriage can be seen as a result of their deep friendship and emotional connection. Don felt a genuine sense of love and care for Anna, who had been through difficult experiences in her own life. Despite Don's tendency to be a serial womanizer, his relationship with Anna was different. He displayed sweetness and authenticity when he was with her, which was unlike his usual persona. Their connection allowed Don to let his guard down and be vulnerable, which was something he rarely experienced.Additionally, Anna provided emotional support to Don during pivotal moments in his life. When he expressed feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction, she listened and understood him. Anna was there for him when he went through a divorce from Betty and offered him financial support for the rest of her life. Her unwavering love and care created a strong foundation for their relationship.Furthermore, Anna's diagnosis and eventual passing had a profound impact on Don. Learning of her advanced stage cancer deeply saddened him, highlighting the depth of their connection. Don Draper, a man who typically hid behind a fabricated persona, showed his true emotions and sobbed when he received the news of Anna's death. This suggests that Anna was one of the few people who truly touched his heart and could break through the facade he built for himself.In comparing Don's relationship with Anna to his other romantic involvements, it becomes clear that Anna held a special place in his life. While Don had brief encounters with various women throughout the series, such as Rachel Menken, Joy, Bethany, Faye, Suzanne, and Sylvia, none seemed to evoke the same level of sincerity and emotional vulnerability. Anna stood out as someone who truly understood him and accepted him for who he was, flaws and all. This is evident in the way their relationship brought out the best in Don, allowing him to be his authentic self.Overall, the evidence suggests that Don Draper married Anna because their friendship and emotional connection were deeply meaningful to him. Anna provided the understanding, support, and unconditional love that he desperately needed. Their relationship allowed Don to be vulnerable and genuine, which he rarely experienced in his personal life. Anna's passing left a void in Don's life, as she was the only person who truly understood him and brought out the best in him.