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In today’s time, the thinking of youth regarding marriage is changing rapidly. Where earlier marriage was considered a lifelong companionship, now a new trend like ‘starter marriage’ is in the news. In this, the first marriage ends within 5 years and usually the spouses do not have children or major financial responsibilities.

According to experts, this does not mean that people marry with the thought of divorce in mind. Rather, if with time the thinking, goals and way of life of both change and the relationship is not happy, then they decide to separate.

What is starter marriage?

Starter marriage refers to a first marriage that usually ends in 5 years or less. In such a marriage, the husband and wife often do not have children, nor do they have property or heavy financial responsibilities. Some people consider this type of marriage as a relationship where both understand each other. If they feel that their thinking, goals or way of living does not match, then they decide to separate.

Where did this trend come from?

The term ‘starter marriage’ first appeared in a 1994 article in The New York Times. After this, in the year 2002, journalist Pamela Paul explained this topic well in her book The Starter Marriage and the Future of Matrimony. After this this word became a topic of discussion all over the world.

What happens in starter marriage?

Most of the people who get married in starter marriage get married at a young age, i.e. between 20 to 25 years. In the beginning they feel that they are right for each other, but after a few years their thinking, career, dreams and life priorities start changing. In such a situation, both feel that their relationship is no longer the same as before. If differences persist, they may decide to separate.

What are the conditions?

Although there is no official or legal condition for starter marriage, some things are generally observed in it. The marriage should end after about 5 years or earlier. During this period, the husband and wife do not have children, do not share big property or much financial responsibilities, hence if the relationship does not work out then the process of separation is considered easy.

Why is this trend increasing?

Experts believe that today’s youngsters do not want to get married just to live together. They want love, respect, trust and mental peace to remain in the relationship. If there are constant fights, emotional distance or disagreements about the future in a relationship, then many people consider it better to end such a relationship. Compared to earlier, the society’s attitude towards divorce has also changed to some extent, especially in big cities.

Do people get married with the idea of ​​separation in advance?

No. This does not at all mean that people get married with the intention of getting separated after a few years. Most people get married with the hope that their relationship will last for a long time. But if with time the thinking and needs of both change completely and the relationship is no longer happy, then they decide to separate.

What is its impact in India?

In India, marriage is still seen as linked to family, culture and tradition. Therefore, the practice of starter marriage is not as common as in western countries. However, youth living in big cities are talking openly on this topic through social media and podcasts. Still, most people in India see marriage as a lifelong relationship. Starter marriage is not a new law or a different type of marriage, but an example of changing thinking.