Arranged Marriages vs. Love Marriages: Which Yields a Happier Life?

In contemporary societies, the notion of marriage varies widely, ranging from arranged marriages to love marriages. This article explores the success and failure rates of both types of marriages and delves into the factors that contribute to a happy or unhappy union.

Understanding Marriage Success Rates

According to my personal observations and experiences in the United States, four American couples who fell in love and got married ended in divorce. In contrast, four Indian couples who had arranged marriages faced the same situation. This raises the question: does the type of marriage affect its success rate?

The Common Mistakes in Love Marriages

The primary mistake many couples make is not considering long-term compatibility in their initial stages of relationship. The commitment involved in a marriage is often underestimated, leading to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction over time. Children can suffer as a result of their parents' acerbic relationship, highlighting the significant emotional impact of failed marriages.

Arranged Marriages: The Process of Compatibility

Arranged marriages often involve more formal assessments before the actual marriage. Couples usually meet with their potential partners before the ceremony and spend some time together to gauge suitability for lifelong commitment. While this process can sometimes be accurate, it is not infallible. External factors and personal values can still vary, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Factors Contributing to a Successful Marriage

Understanding and accepting each other, along with the ability to compromise, play a crucial role in the success of a marriage. Parents and families often find a suitable match from reputable backgrounds, ensuring that their children are married to responsible and compatible partners. Despite these precautions, the final judgement lies with the individuals involved.

Ensuring a Good Marriage

Parents' experience in assessing potential partners can be beneficial. They tend to choose matches from good families, reducing the likelihood of making mistakes. However, personal values and appearances can still be misjudged, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and respect.

The Role of Family Background and Behavior

The reputation and conduct of both the family and the potential partner are critical factors. It is crucial to ensure that the partner is suitable and trustworthy. For instance, no family should consent to a marriage where the partner does not have a domestic help available. These practices ensure that the partner is not undercompensated or mistreated.

Evaluating the Suitability of a Partner

Consent from the family is indispensable before proceeding with a marriage. A responsible partner, who does not need domestic help, shows respect and responsibility. In the context of arranged marriages, the family's role is to vet the partner thoroughly to avoid any unforeseen complications. This includes background checks and ensuring the partner's suitability.

The Overall Failure Rate

It is important to note that the failure rate of any given marriage is not solely attributed to the type of marriage. Many love marriages among Indians also end in divorce, indicating that personal choices and behavior play a significant role. The success or failure of a marriage is primarily determined by the attitudes and actions of the individuals involved.

Personal Reflection on Marriage

I personally believe that blaming the arranged marriage system for marital failures is unfair. Both types of marriages require effort, understanding, and mutual respect to thrive. Despite the challenges, arranged marriages often involve more structured compatibility checks, enhancing the likelihood of a successful partnership.

Conclusion

The success of a marriage depends on the couples' willingness to commit and the effort they put into understanding and respecting each other. Whether it is an arranged marriage or a love marriage, it is essential to prioritize communication, trust, and mutual respect. Understanding the factors that contribute to both successful and unsuccessful marriages helps couples make more informed decisions and invest in healthier, happier relationships.