Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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partners. There are many arguments in the support of marriage. It is seen as an important institution that supports the development of strong and stable families. The statistical evidence suggests that children brought up by two parents do much better, on average than children brought up by just one.
Many supporters of arranged marriages say that the divorce rate is lower for these types of marriages, and use this as evidence to support the practice. However, divorce is not encouraged in many nations where arranged marriage is practised, and the couple may also be afraid to divorce because of social pressure, even though they may be unhappy. Ideally for a successful marriage the prospective partner will be someone with whom one can share interests and who will encourage one's independence. As with any relationship friendship is the key. Good communication from the beginning will help to ensure that yours is a lasting and beneficial partnership. Adjustment and learning together, showing respect and care for each other are the keys for successful marriage.
Hindu civil code permits divorce on certain grounds, but the religion as such does not approve divorce. According to Hinduism marriage is a sacred relationship, a divine covenant and a sacrament. Therefore it cannot be dissolved on some personal grounds. Other religions also permit divorce, but each faith has its own rules and regulations.
Married people have a greater life expectancy than single people
According to insurance statistics, married people of all ages have a greater life expectancy than single people. This being so, and if marriage is vital for the emotional development of our children and so deeply embedded in the fabric of human society after thousands of years of experience, why is it that so many marriages fail-especially in our highly enlightened age?
What creates a happy marriage?
One reason is that we often overlook the fact that successful marriages don't happen by chance. They happen only through constant effort-by persistently practising basic principles such as the following seven S-E-C-R-E-C-T-S (Courtesy Hopeway Newsletter).
S=Sort out roles
For a successful marriage, both partners need to spell out and agree on their individual roles and responsibilities. If both are working (especially full time), both need to share home duties (inside and out), and help care for the children.
E = Expectations that are real
Based on our backgrounds we all come into marriage with preconceived ideas of what it should be like. Our expectations, however, are often unreal; for a healthy relationship, marriage partners need to develop realistic expectations.
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