Diverse Motivations for Relationships
Based on the presented quotations, several key motives prompting individuals to enter marriage or romantic relationships can be identified:1. Emotional-Romantic Aspiration. People are often swept away by passionate feelings characteristic of being in love – a state where one is essentially "flying on wings," constantly thinking of their partner and dreaming of being close. Cultural images created in literature and cinema further amplify this sentiment, steering individuals toward marriage under the influence of strong emotions. As stated:"Being in love is a beautiful time; a person feels as if they are flying on wings, constantly thinking about their beloved, wanting to always be near them. Romance writers celebrated this fervent passion in their works. This is how most people envision love. And, unfortunately, it is precisely this feeling—that is, the fervor of love and emotional experience—that guides people when entering into marriage..."(source: link txt)2. The Desire for Support and Mutual Understanding. There exists a fundamental need for love and closeness in one’s life. A person seeks someone with whom they can share joys and challenges, someone with whom they feel needed and supported. This longing for unity is reflected in the following quote:"And in love, a person needs. That is why one looks around for a shoulder to lean on. Together is better, easier. Therefore, the Lord, knowing our frailty, even when creating Adam, looked upon him..."(source: link txt)3. Practical and Social Considerations. Beyond spiritual and emotional motives, many decisions to marry are driven by material benefits and a desire to improve one’s social status. Genuine feelings can sometimes be overshadowed by circumstances where the decision to marry might be conditioned by the wish to leave the parental home, receive material bonuses, or conform to societal stereotypes, such as those related to a woman's age and status. This is confirmed by the following excerpt:"Before this conversation, the young man had never even considered marriage, although he had been dating his girlfriend for about a year. His mother's proposition seemed more than tempting, and he began seriously contemplating marriage. There are hundreds of such stories. Often, the desire to leave the parental home or to receive an apartment as a wedding gift, etc., is disguised by grand and noble feelings..."(source: link txt)4. Clearly Expressed Greed and Material Motives. Sometimes marriage is seen as a means of material gain, especially when individuals consciously seek partners with considerable wealth or influence. This approach is particularly common among young women, for whom financial well-being becomes the primary criterion in choosing a life partner. This is conveyed in the following passage:"Not the most common but still an important factor prompting marriage is greed. There is the most crude, direct, and explicit greed—it is 'selling oneself' to a wealthy person. More often, young women marry 'rich' men..."(source: link txt)5. The Pursuit of Spiritual Harmony and Growth. In addition to emotional and material impulses, marriage is perceived as a path to spiritual insight and inner growth. It is often seen as an opportunity for personal development, attaining inner peace, harmony, and nurturing new generations, which is a significant aspect of family life. This is reflected in the following thoughts:"Marriage is not for carnal pleasures; it was intended by God for the continuation of the human race and for the growth of people in love, so that they learn to humble themselves before one another, serve each other, and elevate one another to greater heavenly heights..."(source: link txt)Thus, it can be concluded that individuals enter relationships driven by a variety of motives: from emotional, passionate romantic feelings and a deep need for love and support, to practical considerations such as material gain and social pressure, as well as the aspiration toward spiritual development and harmony in life.