by Terry Marsh

Created on: December 10, 2008

Every individual has their own reasons for entering into matrimony. In some cases, the real reasons that one person marries may be completely unknown to the person they wed. Ideally, couples marry because they love each other and believe in the vows of matrimony. But unfortunately, in a society that has become increasingly more materialistic, many couples venture into matrimonial unions with financial security being more of a motivator than love.

But this is not an entirely new phenomenon. Family trees are long in the history of arranged marriages. This was especially evident in cultures or societies where families actually intermarried in order to protect family assets and fortunes.

Marrying for love leads to a life of long-term emotional gratification, but marrying for money leads to pre-nuptial agreements and divorce battles over assets. This is not to say that every couple who marries for love stays married, nor does it mean that selfish greed can't turn into love. But the foundation of a marriage is much stronger when built on love rather than money. And the reality is that with all of the challenges facing married couples in the 21st century, they are much more likely to work through problems with the presence of a strong emotional bond than they are when resorting to a bank account.

Though statistical reasons for divorces are difficult to determine, it must be noted that sociologists list financial problems as one of the most prevalent. But, it is also interesting to find that the divorce rate among couples with whom finances are not an issue is actually higher than that of couples who are financially struggling. This certainly gives the impression that money doesn't solve everything. It only takes one to look at the lives of many of today's high profile celebrities to see that wealth does not always bring matrimonial bliss.

Even marriages built on the dual foundations of love and money face difficulties. Certainly, starting out with both would make life seem easier. But character is built when we face and work through problems. The availability of too much too soon ill prepares people for the realities of daily living. Life can't be a fairy tale every day.

To marry for love is a commitment to making every effort to maintain the sanctity of marriage. Besides, money might be able to buy companionship, but it can never buy real emotion between two people.

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