Love or arranged marriage?

During a slumber party, where we girls got together and had some fun, we discussed about some life factors, but our initiated topic was crucially on arranged marriages versus love marriages. It began when we started playing the “what if” game, one of the girls asked: "What if your parents decide on the guy you'll marry?" Everyone in the room froze and each one of us had something to say regarding the matter.

We all looked at each other and in a split second everyone was arguing and suddenly our pajama party turned into a debatable celebration. Well, most of us agreed on the fact that those days are gone now and we should be able to take our own decision but of course with our parent's blessings. So we asked ourselves: "Why would parents want to single out the man you'll marry?"

The reason a parent would do such thing is because they want the best for their children. They always know what is the best for their children since they have been through that stage already. Also, they fear divorce and to them arranged marriages are of great success. Therefore, most parents approve of their children to marry within the same culture, tribe and people.

One of the girls mentioned, "I once read in an article that the majority of arranged marriages are successful and don't end up in divorce”. The argument to this was how many of those are happy marriages. Couples may have a successful marriage but not necessary because of love and understanding, instead because of tradition and family commitment. Arranged marriages become more like a contract between families and not individuals where both ends feel responsible if it won't work out.

In the past this topic used to be on the news headlines but in this day and age things have changed. This could be true with some nations and families but to others this trend will continue. Something parents need to understand is that love marriage or arranged marriage all go through ups and downs because marriage is all about commitment, adjustment and understanding.

At the end of the night, we girls agreed on whatever type of marriage an individual chooses they should be willing and prepared to face the consequences.

This was another dilemma on its own and so we decided to put an end to this never-ending topic and start worrying at the appropriate time. Then, it was time for another pillow fight.