Social science

The Decisive Marriage

Re “Marital Bliss, One Decision After Another” (Well, Aug. 26):

What an incredibly sad article! Nowhere is the word “love” even mentioned. And without romantic love and passion, why marry at all? The kind of marriage described here seems to be something between a business merger and a prayer meeting. If people in such relationships are happy with them, it only indicates how impoverished their idea of happiness is!

Mor, California, posted to nytimes.com

You can “intentionally define a relationship” with a small wedding, too. Research is always a little subjective...

Davina Goldammer-Utz, posted to Facebook

Couldn’t afford a big wedding, so we are doomed. After 44 years, I should prepare myself. Divorce/unhappiness should happen anytime now.

Rose Portillo, posted to Facebook

Commitment matters? What a finding! The more interesting thing is that people would choose to marry without talking about it, actually wanting it, not being able to imagine it otherwise. Inertia together with the fear of being alone makes for a powerful force.