Madeleine_1_DQ1&2

Society in India is far different than in America on the subject of marriage and divorce. In India, most marriages are arranged by the parents. Some parents even marry off their children at the young age of fifteen. The parents in India sometimes marry off their child for more then just "wanting what is best." Some parents arrange the marriage of their child in exchange for some sort of payment (money, produce, protection, livestock, etc.) India has a vast quantity of poor citizens and many parents arrange their children's marriages to wealthier families hoping their child will live a better life. The Indian culture frowns heavily on divorce and shame will be brought upon the divorcees and their families. This is why I think the divorce rate in India is so low.

Meanwhile, in America...

Divorce is very common in America. In "the land of the free," we have a very large amount of freedom to do as we choose. This includes marrying at a young age. Many American teenagers get married to their high school sweet heart as soon as they graduate, some even before. They think they are "the one" and that they will be together forever. In your late teen years and early twenties, you are still trying to find yourself and discover who you really are. Who you were in high school may not be who you are in college. Also, Americans tend to rebel at a young age. They may date an "undesirable" through out their high school years and marry them against their parents' consent once they reach their 18th year. Sure, they may think they love him/her, but once they marry them and they grow out of their rebellious stage, they may then realize what mistake they have made with their "forbidden love." But, divorce does not only occur because of young foolishness. America is called "the land of opportunity" and it's citizenship is sought after by many natives of foreign lands. If a foreign person marries and American person, the foreign person then has the opportunity to become an American citizen. This happens quite often, and occasionally ends in divorce. Not all realize it, but some people marry for the wrong reason, and when they do realize it, try to end it fast.

Marriages should not be arranged by your parents, nor should they dictate who you do or do not become romantically involved with. However, you should think about what they tell you of their ideal son-in-law/daughter-in-law, but make your own decision on your ideal mate. Your parent's approval is very important. Just think about it, do you want to be in charge of financing your wedding without parent involvement and support? What about family holidays and reunions? As I said, you do not want your parents to disapprove of your boyfriend/girlfriend/future spouse, but, you do not want to let them dictate who you date/marry or it could possible end in divorce.