Marriage

Marriage is often said to be the graveyard in one's life. Even though this is only a sarcastic remark, it contains reality to some extent.

Then why do people marry? Is it worth getting married?

Arithmetically one plus one is two, but when it comes to marriage, one plus one equals more than two, and sometimes it goes on beyond our expectations.

It is not a miracle. It is only one example of the ordinary events in our daily life.

Marriage is the step from one to two. It is the jump from the world of one person alone to that of two persons together. The person who has spent his days over talking to himself, begins talking and acting with his partner.

Indeed the life of single people may not be so depressed and may be easygoing, but it lacks something--something like mental tranquility or contentment which is indispensable to us.

Whether it is a love marriage or an arranged one, there are several basic factors in marriage.

Not only love and respect but also patience and compromise are needed. Sometimes we must be patient or we must compromise with each other. That is, we need to make the difference of our opinions less by taking the middle course. Though we are apt to forget them.

Mutual help, cooperation, and understanding are also very important. These things do not always disagree with individual concerns and interest.

The difference in personality could be one of the causes of divorce, but I do not think it always has a bad influence on the relationship between the couple. On the contrary, in some cases it has a better influence and it is even fruitful and productive.

From the social point of view, married people are generally more accepted than singles in Japan. They get higher social evaluation. They can save a little more of their expenditure. The relation with their neighbors becomes smoother.

By the way, is there any possibility that pursuing better things or happiness in each family will finally spread worldwide?

I do not think it is only a dream. But to realize them, first of all, each family must be happy. Then what should we do in the field of our daily life? That is the very question.

Marriage is not a goal of one's life but a starting point towards the new life. And seeking happiness, people will struggle in various ways also in the future.

Related links:
- Japanese translation of this article "Marriage"

(Last updated on August 4, 2007)