Marriages in Asian Countries

Marriages in many S-E Asian countries are very different from those in Western countries. While the partners do at times, fall in love and date one another, more often than not, they are brought together by parents and relatives. It is an informal form of matchmaking and a concept known as arranged marriages. Do read What Are Arranged Marriages to find out more. However, nothing is done without the assent of the candidates in question. There may be times, when the consent of a girl is overruled by the decisiion of her parents, however, in modern times, this occurence has reduced considerably.
Girls have become increasingly independent and earn a good living on their own. Parents have also realized that forcing a girl to get married is not always the best thing to do.
Many people find the concept of such marriages strange and contrived. However, if you think of it, it isn’t very different from the matchmaking balls and dances that we read about in Jane Austen novels. It may seem ancient, however, the system does have its advantages. Parents rely on experience and do enough research about a prospective bride or groom to ensure that their child will be happy. It also indicates a strength of family and social support for the bride and groom. Plus, the partners are more adaptable and open to each other and are willing to make the necessary adjustments as in any other marriage.
However, such fixed marriages may have some disadvantages, especially, where boys and girls are not given enough time to get to know each other. There may be fights, disagreements and personality clashes, after the marriage and lead to unpleasantness and even, separation.
So, while marriages in Asian countries may be some what different from marriages in Western countries, they do tend to be similar as well.