They say that marriages are made in heaven but there are also couples who take their marriage in their own hands and decide their own partners. The idea of love marriage as opposed to arranged marriages is a hotly debated topic especially in the Indian culture where most of the couples prefer arranged marriages.

However there are certain advantages and disadvantages of love marriages and any marriage by and large depends on the partner's commitment to each other. Since a love marriage is a marriage of choice it can last far longer as long as there is the bond of love between the couple. However there have been numerous examples of failed love marriages and also those which have lasted long.

Advantages of Love Marriages

For those who prefer love marriages there are many advantages, one of them being the freedom of choice in choosing one's partner. The individual is also responsible for the consequences good or bad that a love marriage can have.

In love marriages the partners know each better and accept each other irrespective their shortcomings or bad habits. And when one knows one's partner better one can deal better with any future conflict. In love marriages there is no compulsion in love; couples do not love each for the sake of loving it comes from their true feelings for each other. There is perfect bonding of the souls in a love marriage and hence the secret of their stability.

When the partners are in perfect harmony the daily chores seem like nothing and one can easily overcome marital difficulties with each other's help. However if a love marriage is superficial and depends only on physical attractiveness, the chances of it lasting are very poor. Love marriages also help in bridging the gaps of caste, creed and religion and this is especially important in India.

The Disadvantages of Love Marriages

Those who oppose love marriages cite different reasons and think that marriages of these types do not last long. For some couples there is no family support and even their relatives do not approve of their marriage. The biggest disadvantage of love marriage is that the chances of break up are far greater due to the freedom which each partner enjoys.

In the Indian context a love marriage is almost like a disgrace to the family and the boy or the girl live like outcastes. However modern Indian families do approve of their children's love marriage as times have changed. Finally what matters is the personal bonding between the partners and this helps in making the relationships last longer.