Sunday, June 27, 2010

live-in relationships. what say?

Check out these statistics. According to enrichment journal on the divorce rate in America, the divorce rate in America for first marriage is 41%, the divorce rate in America for second marriage is 60% and the divorce rate in America for third marriage is 73%. Quite high figures, yeah? Every day, one time or another, we hear somebody is getting divorced. Obviously, we do not wish anybody such ill fates, although a divorce can be a form of relieve by any means. However, sometimes, you can’t avoid fate. I was wondering the other day, how come our culture (Indian heritage) does not encourage live-in relationships? Why can’t an unmarried couple live with each other to figure out what they want for their future? I think live-in relationships can be a solid foundation for those who still need to figure where they stand in the relationship they are in. Yes true, the society may look at this as absurd and despicable but think about the possibilities it may offer. A couple can truly learn things about their spouses they never even knew about. Things like snoring habits, food penchants, dirty habits, mood swings, and so much more are easily overlooked and can really make a difference in one’s life. When two people get to know each other fully and are ready to take the next step, they can consider the idea of getting married, without the blunder of a messy divorce. If they decide that they are not for each other, then by all means, they can move on with their lives. Another thing is that, live-in relationships give couples an idea of how their married lives would be (minus the in-laws and children, of course!). They are able to give better thoughts to the marriage itself, be more matured individuals and make better decisions, both practically and emotionally.
Yes, there are consequences to undertake, mostly coming from the society. Our culture, in some ways, is still backward from certain regions in the world. Some people would come to think of live-in relationships as a sin or form of illegality. Some would consider that this is another reason for having sex, or irrational decision making. However, come to think of it, it’s all a matter of choice. If this concept is okay for a couple, than why not? We are in the 21st century and we have to open up our minds a little bit, don’t we? Anyway, this was just a fragment of my thoughts. Many might think differently. But, the most important thing is to be open-minded and less judgmental. Cheers