[identity profile] achinhibitor.livejournal.com 2009-06-25 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
Even in the very recent past, couples had a high tolerance for
discord, and accepted compromises and a low-grade discontent. But now
a low-grade fever has set in and marriages are succumbing because only
a perfect relationship will do. No one wants to settle or accommodate -
everyone wants *more*. -- Erica Abeel, 1981

Now that we've changed marriage from a job to an adventure, so that people expect -- demand! -- to be pleased by their marriages, we're discovering that a successful marriage is not so very likely. Quelle surprise!