Myths about marriage: bliss is not always what you think it should be

A number of years ago, people referred to a happily-ever-after picture of marriage as the “Cinderella Complex.” There was much discussion from feminists such as Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug, who debunked the theory that once you find your “prince” you will run off into the sunset and be forever joyous. The 60s and 70s ushered in a whole new attitude about marriage compared to how most viewed it in the 40s and 50s.

Those attitudes keep changing, and perhaps for the better, because today people are far more realistic about how long a relationship will last or what it is they must do to have a union endure over time.

Unfortunately, as these realizations come to mind, we learn that there may be an “ever after” with one person, but it is not always “happily.” That myth has finally been shattered.

You might be lucky enough to live with someone you love and respect all the days of your life, but statistics tell us at least half of those who get married split up. For some, splitting up might not mean once in a lifetime but several times.

It is easy to forgive ourselves if we find ourselves caught up a fairy tale once, but to continue to believe that marriage should remain a constant and blissful state is just plain delusional! Some people — and I hope you are not one of them — keep changing partners in search of the idyllic relationship in order to maintain that relationship high or to satisfy a particular relationship myth.

The following beliefs in this sixth segment of my “TopTen” lists series may seem cliché to you, but many people truly believe one or more of the ten items on my myths list. See if you have fallen into any of these belief traps:

Stacy D. Phillips is a co-founder of Blank Rome LLP, which specializes in high-profile family law matters. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.