wchap7
3/28/01

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The only model of marriage with any flesh on it particularly in Western cultures has been the romantic love model. Two people meet, they fall in love, they get married, and they live happily ever after.

Section A of this chapter explores that model from the perspective of Science of Ethics with the goal of putting it into a context where it can be studied and understood as a component of this approach.

Section B opens up a whole new door: looking at marriage from the perspective that romance is best seen as a passing phase in a relationship, and after it ends there must be a different focus if the relationship is to endure as more than a business arrangement of convenience, but proving little personal satisfaction.

The book, YOU’RE NOT WHAT I EXPECTED: Love After the Romance Ends by Dr. Polly Young-Eisendrath [1] is presented, analyzed, and discussed. The author presents the idea that only now due to the social changes that accompanied women’s liberation is it possible for couples to have a sustainable, satisfying marriage for both partners in the marriage. It would be a relationship between equals. The goal is mature dependence achieved through dialogue based on trust.

I find this an exciting model that is not only congruent with Science of Ethics, but provides tools and approaches necessary for any individual to develop in ways that they might become an Enlightened Person able to help build an Enlightened Community.