Chapter 41
MODERN MARRIAGE
Vince Vaughan, in the movie Wedding Crashers, said something like, “Marriage is an unrealistic idea.” I agree with him, to a certain extent. I think the longer you wait to get married, the better your chances for success. Marriage is like wine; the older the wine, the higher the quality. Then again, what do I know? I’ve never been married. However, I’m really good at observing society, and as I observe modern society, this is the conclusion I’ve reached.
It’s December 21st, 2009, as I type this. According to the movie 2012— and the Mayan Calendar—we only have exactly three years left anyway, so you might as well go get crunk. Forget about getting married.
Just kidding.
When I look at our 21st century society, I don’t feel confident in the human species when it comes to being able to cultivate the inner strength and consistent contentment required to make a marriage work. Chapter 63 of Your Truth Will Set You Free is called “Consistent Contentment.” Make sure you read that.
There is just too much temptation in the world. It’s too easy to connect with anybody who’s willing to do anything. Just ask Tiger Woods. Just ask all his mistresses.
Modern day human beings don’t have the inner strength to resist the temptations of the flesh. So they cheat on their spouse; then they start telling lies to cover their tracks. Once deception enters any relationship, it begins to crumble.
In fact, I don’t believe human beings who lived 2,000 years ago were any different; they just didn’t have as many options as present day humans.
Since the inner carnal desires of the human species aren’t likely to change, we have to try to implement new ideas in regards to the institution of marriage.
Too many marriages fail because human beings are naturally programmed to be physically attracted to more than one human being. Monogamy is an intellectual decision—not a physical one.
If I ever decide to get married, I’m going to write my own wedding vows. My potential wife will obviously have to agree to the arrangement. My vows will sound something like this:
I promise to always speak truthfully in every area of our relationship. I understand that honesty is the only way to create a lasting relationship. I choose to enter into this marriage agreement because I love you. I’ve taken the time to observe your personality, and I feel it’s compatible with my personality—for the long haul. It’s my present intention to remain physically faithful to you. If, however, I find myself feeling the desire to become physical with another woman, I promise to address the issue when it arises. Understanding your personality, I know you’ll embrace my honesty with love and understanding. We will then make the necessary adjustments to our agreed upon marital boundaries.
Again, I think the longer you wait to get married, the better. Marriage is a commitment of the heart and the mind. Marriage is about building a life together. Marriage is about having someone to grow old with.
Think about this: Even if you wait until you’re 40 years old, you still have half of your life to be married.
*END OF SAMPLE*
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