Marriage, happiness, and divorce

Marriage, happiness, and divorce continue to be subjects of intrigue and exploration in our lives.

By Advocate Suresh Tripathi |Published: 2023-10-07

Marriage is a complex and multifaceted institution that has been a subject of human fascination and contemplation for centuries. From Shakespearean sonnets to modern pop songs, the themes of love, marriage, and divorce continue to captivate our imaginations.

Though the concept of marriage has evolved significantly over the years, it still carries elements of its historical origins. One must recognize its historical origins as a way to address practical concerns such as childbirth and early mortality. While marriage is deeply ingrained in our culture, its utility as a societal institution today has changed drastically. In modern times, there seems to be less need for marriage as a tool for organizing relationships. People should not feel compelled to marry but should rather focus on building meaningful relationships.

Marriage can be viewed as a contract and legal status. Pair bonds, on the other hand, are personal connections between two individuals. They might be friends, romantic partners, or any form of close relationship. Marriage and pair bonds are not necessarily the same thing, but societal expectations often blur the lines. Being truly happy with oneself is a fundamental precursor to experiencing happiness in a happy relationship. Self-love and self-assuredness, paves the way for fulfilling relationships. Having someone to love and appreciate you can only enhance your sense of self-worth.

The key to a happy marriage may lie in consistently showing love and consideration for each other. It's about keeping the connection and intimacy alive through these small acts that remind each partner of their love and appreciation for one another. Marriage doesn't have to be an inherently negligent activity; it can thrive with effort and care.

Kindness is a fundamental component of a successful marriage. Offering words of affirmation and support can strengthen the bond between partners, especially in a world that often challenges our self-esteem. Small gestures of love and kindness in a marriage can make a significant difference. Just as leaving a note or buying someone's favourite chocolate can strengthen a relationship, these little acts of love and thoughtfulness can go a long way in keeping a marriage vital. Over time, neglecting these small gestures can erode the bond between partners.

Maintaining a happy marriage might involve preventing issues rather than trying to fix them once they've escalated. Just as with physical health, regular check-ups and preventive measures can be more effective than addressing problems after they've become severe.

These days marriage is witnessing an increasing failure rate, with a high number of marriages ending in divorce. Considering that many couples stay together for the sake of their children or financial stability, the percentage of unhappy marriages may be even higher. 

When it comes to divorce, there are stark gender disparities in how men and women are perceived and treated. Society's understanding of gender and relationships has evolved, making divorce a more complex process. We struggle to define concepts like gender, which further complicates divorce proceedings

Divorce is equally hard on men and women both but women often receive more empathy and sympathy when they divorce, while men face greater societal judgment. This bias, stems from deeply ingrained stereotypes and biases. Then there are financial aspects of divorce. Alimony, once seen as a predominantly male obligation, now extends to both genders, reflecting evolving gender roles and income disparities. 

Marriage, happiness, and divorce continue to be subjects of intrigue and exploration in our lives. There are challenges and complexities that individuals face in navigating these intricate aspects of human relationships. Ultimately, while marriage may not be a universally perfect solution, it remains a personal journey filled with both joy and uncertainty.