The Role of Professional Identity in Selection of Life Partner
Background of the Study
Issues surrounding the topic of mate selection hold a prominent position in fields ranging from psychology to popular culture and rightfully so. The choice of whom to marry ranks at the very top of life’s priority decisions. A wise spouse selection can be the best commitment a single person ever makes, while an unwise choice easily ranks among the worst. The prevalence of problems like cohabitation, divorce, and family violence testify to the fact that too many mate selection decisions are turning out tragically. Also, the rise of cohabitation seems to indicate that some are choosing to avoid these disasters by avoiding marriage itself.
A couple’s desire for the wedding experience of their dreams is understandable. Nonetheless, when comparing the amount of resources that go into weddings, with the resources committed to the process of selecting a marriage partner, a dramatic imbalance appears. The task of adequately preparing single individuals to make wise decisions in selecting a partner before they become engaged remains a cause for grave concern. Dong.and Li (2007) echoes this dilemma: “Selecting the right person for marriage is the most underappreciated challenge in the human experience.”
There is a common saying among the Arabs: “If you want to select a horse, select from among hundred horses. If it is a friend it should be one among thousand. But if it is a wife, it is should be from thousands”. This implies the importance of choosing a partner in marriage. It should not be a casual or careless selection. It should be a long thought out process.
Very few people are inclined to analyze the factors that are to be looked into in selecting a partner. There is a common belief that marriages are made in heaven or it is fate, luck or providence. But this issue of choice of spouse is not something to be completely left to fate or luck. A scientific approach is necessary in the…