statistically speaking ...
Arranged marriages last longer then "love" marriages ..

It is about choice /culture and many other things. Many of my friends have found happiness in both.

Personally I discount neither method :)
(schlam la souris est sous la table, Fri 19 Feb 2010, 9:50, 3 replies)

of course so are the expectations
presumably, in a culture where the parents pick your partner, you will expect less from the relationship. And therefore be less critical, leading to less divorces. But hey, relationships are difficult whichever route you take :)
(bovine intervention, Sat 20 Feb 2010, 18:29, closed)

stats are meaningless
as arranged marriagws generally take place in societies where women are seen as lesser creatures and often little more than commodities. There is little option for divorce, and no life for the woman after.

Marriage should be solely through individual choice, as should everything
( disasterprone "Pyjamas caused the Holocaust", Sun 21 Feb 2010, 14:32, closed)

well
Yeah the statistics aren't necessarily representative of happiness, but I think you are wrong, esp in today's society. Arranged marriages are little different then an elaborate form of eharmony where your parents introduce you and you normally get the end say. I am sure there are abuses of this system .. but I couldn't say anything authoritative about it as I have no data. I should imagine there are probably just as many abusive relationships resulting from personal choice.

A lot of professional people choose to take this route, both men and women. It is very common among affluent Indians living in New York who have the choice and want someone who is culturally similar.

It is a cultural thing, it may not be your culture but it works for some and not for others.
(schlam la souris est sous la table, Mon 22 Feb 2010, 15:39, closed)

A valid point
but I think the individual should be responsible for every aspect of their life. There should be no possibility to avoid responsibility for choice of partner, failure or success.

I think that everyone should be able to look back as they die (not that I imagine it'll be high on the list of priorities as you choke your last) and think, "I made the right choices; I did well" or "I fucked that up didn't I"

No-one should have the option to die thinking "If only I had taken control of my own life more"

Mind you, I duck responsibility more than I should.
( disasterprone "Pyjamas caused the Holocaust", Tue 23 Feb 2010, 13:40, closed)

My problem
is that I'm not good with blokes. At all. I did try internet dating which is how I met my ex. And almost accepted a Dutchman's offer of a stay in his cabin in the woods but didn't after my driving instructor pointed out how silly that would be.

At least with an arranged marriage expectations would be low(er).
(ToysForBigBoys would spread her legs for Nick Clegg., Wed 24 Feb 2010, 15:33, closed)

From anecdotal evidence, you may also find that they have
a higher incidence of domestic abuse, both physical and psychological than 'choice' marriages, but to be frank stats don't matter. Plenty of people find that they're happy in arranged marriages, but it really depends on the people involved.

Again, I know from anecdotal experience that a shared culture and values doesn't mean happiness by itself.
(The man with the flan swashed his buckle on, Wed 24 Feb 2010, 15:56, closed)