Quote from: RE on Jan 31, 2025, 12:27 PMIf I could remake society, I wouldn't have lifetime marriages.  I'd raise all the kids communally, Kibbutz style.  People who are good with kids would raise them, that would be their job.  Then people could stay together as long as they were happy, break up if not.  No jointly held property.  No divorce lawyers!  :)

I do know Shia Muslims allow for temporary marriages i.e. a marriage with an expiry date. Unsurprisingly it is a controversial practice but is technically allowed. The biggest criticism made against it is the expiry date could be set so soon that it was seen as a means to legitimize prostitution under the guise of marriage. Then again cynics would say that is no different to the permanent marriages lol.

To be honest I remain single and I don't really have a great desire to partner up. I feel, and this is only a personal feeling, but most women are more trouble than they are worth. You can find happiness without a partner and I don't buy the social narrative that you are not "complete" unless you find a significant other.

Life is what you make it out to be and the ability to lead a fulfilling life largely depends on your mindset and really understanding yourself and your personal desires/ambitions. If you can understand yourself and pursue the things you find important whilst maintaining some sort of social network you can prosper. There is no need for partners although if that is what you desire then go for it. Just be honest on what you want. Don't marry to impress people, conform to social pressure or do it for status. All those reasons are external validations, the desire needs to come from within.