Opinion on Why Marriage is a Cultural Construct That Fails Modern Relationships

Marriage has long been regarded as one of life’s most significant milestones, a union of two people meant to symbolize eternal love, partnership, and the foundation of a family. However, as society evolves, so too must our understanding of such institutions. Today, many people are beginning to question the relevance of marriage in its traditional form, seeing it less as a celebration of love and more as a cultural construct that often leads to dissatisfaction and disillusionment. In many ways, marriage can feel like a trap, where we enter with high expectations only to find ourselves in a situation far removed from our ideals.

When we enter marriage, we often do so with rose-colored glasses, believing that love alone can conquer all. We expect our partner to be our best friend, lover, confidant, and lifelong companion, all wrapped into one. We envision a future filled with harmony, mutual respect, and unending affection. What we tend to overlook, however, is that marriage is not just about love; it is about merging two entirely different lives, each with its own set of values, beliefs, and expectations into one cohesive unit. This is where the trouble often begins.

The reality is that when two people from different backgrounds come together, there are bound to be conflicts. These differences can range from minor annoyances to deep-seated values that are difficult to reconcile. For instance, one partner might prioritize financial security while the other values spontaneity and adventure. Over time, these differences can create tension and resentment, turning what was once a loving relationship into a battlefield.

You start the journey all in love, with your heart full of hope and your mind brimming with dreams of a perfect life together. But as the honeymoon phase fades, the cracks in the foundation begin to show. The very qualities that once attracted you to your partner can start to irritate you. The quirks you found endearing may now seem intolerable. The compromises you made in the name of love start to feel like sacrifices, and before long, you may find yourself trapped in what feels like a warzone rather than a loving partnership.

This feeling of entrapment is exacerbated by the societal pressure to stay married. Despite growing acceptance of divorce, there remains a stigma around ending a marriage, especially in cultures where marriage is seen as sacred. Many people stay in unhappy marriages for fear of judgment, financial instability, or simply because they don’t want to be alone. They endure the daily battles, the silent resentments, and the growing emotional distance, all the while feeling like they have no way out. This is where the idea of marriage as a "scam" comes into play it’s the realization that what was sold as a lifelong dream can quickly become a lifelong struggle.

Furthermore, marriage is not just an emotional commitment; it is a legal and financial contract that binds two people together in ways that can be difficult to untangle. The cost of weddings, the pooling of finances, and the complications of divorce can make marriage feel more like a business transaction than a romantic union. This legal binding can create a sense of entrapment, where one feels compelled to stay in the marriage not out of love, but out of obligation or fear of the consequences of leaving.

In modern society, where individuals are increasingly valuing personal freedom and self-fulfillment, the rigid structure of marriage can feel suffocating. The traditional roles and expectations placed on married couples can stifle personal growth and lead to a power imbalance where one partner’s needs and desires are prioritized over the other’s. This imbalance can create a toxic environment where one or both partners feel trapped, leading to dissatisfaction, resentment, and, ultimately, the breakdown of the relationship.

We see evidence of this in the rising divorce rates and the growing popularity of alternative relationship models, such as cohabitation, open relationships, or choosing to remain single. These trends suggest that many people are seeking ways to redefine love and partnership outside the confines of traditional marriage. They are recognizing that the one-size-fits-all approach to relationships does not work for everyone and that it is possible to have a fulfilling, loving partnership without the legal and societal pressures of marriage.

While marriage has traditionally been seen as a cornerstone of society, it's becoming evident that this institution often fails to meet the complexities of modern relationships. The expectations and pressures that come with marriage can make it feel more like an obligation than a genuine partnership. As society progresses, it's crucial to rethink our approach to relationships, prioritizing personal happiness, mutual respect, and emotional growth over the societal conventions of marriage. Love and commitment should be chosen freely, not bound by outdated norms. By embracing new forms of partnership that reflect the diverse needs of individuals today, we can build more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.