Is this why relationships seem as disposable as tissues today?

Once upon a time – only decades ago – when we met our mate and married we made vows to stay together as a couple. Whether the commitment to share life proved to be for better or for worse or for richer or poorer most stayed together until death they did part.

How times have changed!   These days the high divorce rate tells tale of distress and disillusion for over 40% of couples who have made marriage vows to be together for ‘a lifetime’.  While we may not have the stats to reveal the percentage of de facto relationships that also end on the rocks despite their apparent commitment to each other, the number is likely to be much higher.

Evidence of marriages and families in trouble is commonplace. This week’s news included an item linking a huge increase in psychiatric and behavioural disturbances in youth to the high incidence of the disintegration of the family unit.  There were also headlines about a father holding his 12yo daughter hostage while threatening a barrister’s chambers with an explosive because of his distress about a family court matter.

It is not surprising that for a large number of our young, commitments are not worthwhile and seem meaningless as they can be readily broken and cause lasting pain and disappointment.  No wonder a characteristic associated with Gen Y is a tendency to avoid commitment for the longer term, be this in the workplace or in their personal lives.

I believe that an ability to commit and be prepared to meet the challenges that this commitment may entail is key to finding fulfillment and meaning in life.

Perhaps the most important commitment a couple could make is to make time to acquire knowledge and skills that will help them appreciate their differences and manage the challenges of living and loving as men and women today. Surely their future happiness – and that of their children – is worth it!