response 54 of 79:

Aug 2 17:36 UTC 2003

I'd rather see divorce be easier, not harder, maybe
having all marriage contracts be for a set number of
years, say five.  The basic disolution contract could
be agreed to at the time of the marriage.

At the end of the five years the contract could be 
renewed if both partners were in agreement.  This would
keep everyone on their toes, looking for ways to 
keep the relationship thriving, instead of one or
both partners feeling tenured, and complacent.

Would this result in more divorces?  Most certainly.
Would more good marriages fail?  Doubt it.

I wouldn't want to be in a marriage where I wasn't loved
and respected.  Nor would I want to feel stuck with
a partner I didn't love or respect.  Five years 
seems about right to evaluate if the partnership is
working.  Bad marriages happen.  Be as gentle on yourself
and those in the fallout zone as you can be.  Learn from your 
mistakes.  Avoid playing the victim and move on.