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SURAT: Marriage as an institution is losing ground in the city, with many
girls and women instead preferring live-in relationships.
The main reason for this trend is to avoid commitment and responsibilities,
freedom to walk out of a relationship at any time and other factors.
"Like a substantial number of urban populace, I too am reluctant to take up
the hassles of children and other responsibilities that come along with
marriage. I am quite happy staying with my boyfriend without any
commitments," says Shayali Mehta (25), a college student.
Ami Gandhi says, "I was always surprised to see my neighbour living alone
and enjoying life to the fullest in every aspect, but today I admire her as
I am also in the same position. The only difference is that she did not have
a companion, but I have one, albeit with an understanding of separating
whenever either of us wants to."
The city's proximity to Mumbai, and its increasing metro culture are also
leading to growth of such relationships.
Experts say that insecurity in marriage too is responsible for the spurt in
cases of live-in relationships. "I have come across several cases where
girls prefer to remain single as they want to try out a new relationship.
Insecurity as to whether the marriage will work or not is another key reason
for increasing number of such instances," says Nirav Choksi, a psychiatrist.
Bad experiences are also driving many women to opt for single status.
Thirty-year-old Jasmini Shah, a professor, says, "There is a saying that a
person does not remain the same once wedding vows are exchanged. I have seen
my friends crying and complaining about the changed behaviour of their
spouse after marriage.
I feel lucky I haven't indulged in any such relation, and can freely leave
the person I am living with at any point of time."
"One of the ways a woman can feel truly empowered is by embracing single
status. I have seen both married and unmarried women in my community and
after analysing them I have decided that I would not indulge myself in any
commitments," says Shama Mistry of Ghoddod Road.
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1137226
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