Marriage often in "ancient" times were arranged by parents, love was not the goal but raising family and sticking around for that was. Often men took a mistress for love that was expected.  Most couples often are self centered an are unrealistic about love. Like going off to war, they give you a gun and realize that when you have to use it to kill someone your perspective on life changes fast and so it goes after the marriage ceremony.. Some do survive the reality of marriage with good humor.  I do not agree with you on "most" young couples... that is a blanket statement. I would say a lot of old married couples I know are married for a long time, stay together an can't stand each other. That I do not understand.  Marriage of any kind is not for the faint of heart. I am coming on to my 40th wedding anniversary. We get along great, who knows about love? But from day 1 we met and nearly 40 years later one thing has not changed, we really like each other and still do. Best friends.....