The Institution of Marriage….

Well, time really flies. It was hardly over a week ago that I completed 50 posts and wrote about a vision that I have for my future. Today as I write my 60th post, I thought of making this moment special as well. Since I would be tying the nuptial knot in about 12 weeks time, I thought of expressing a few thoughts on the institution of marriage itself, which I have always thought very sanctimoniously about.

According to most religions, marriage is a solemn covenant between two souls, which unite completely. Marriage also serves as a means to emotional gratification and as a means of stress reduction. It is a form of worship to God. It is not only a legal contract, but also a social union between two individuals and two families, which creates kinship.

In any marriage, arranged or love, you and your fiancée decide to get married months ago because you see certain traits in each other that, you think, would befit a great spouse. Suddenly after marriage, you begin to see its stark realities, but also experience the joy that comes from living together as companions. However, the life of fantasy that used to exist before marriage ends abruptly. Out of nowhere, you find yourself assuming more responsibilities, relinquishing some personal freedom and making some unselfish adjustments.

You come to realize very soon after the marriage, that the spouse has weaknesses not previously revealed or discovered. The virtues which were constantly magnified during courtship now grow relatively smaller, and the weaknesses which seemed so small and insignificant during courtship now grow to sizable proportions. The spouse may be stingy or prodigal, lazy or industrious, devout or irreligious, may be kind and cooperative or petulant and cross, demanding or giving, egotistical or self-effacing.

Since marriage has its share of ups and downs, one should always be honest to his/her spouse. After marriage, if you have been apart, you should always greet each other with cute expressions of love; you should always spend time with each other alone, just like you did in your honeymoon; you should always express your love in broad daylight just like first-time lovers do; and of course seek candid feedback on the relationship from each other. This is the time when you actually begin to understand hearts and your true love is tested and eventually manifested. You trust each other completely, as if another soul is embedded within you. Once you have kids as well, you begin to feel complete as individuals and as parents. I feel this is the biggest reward that one gets out of marriage as an institution.

I have never experienced post-marital bliss (and glitches) yet. However I am sure that in three months time, with the blessings of our venerated elders, Kuhu and I would integrate ourselves perfectly into this sacred institution. I hope that as years pass by after our marriage and physical desires diminish, we realize the true meaning of love, accept each other with all our strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly continue to love and trust each other as intensely and honestly, as we do right now.