In an article titled “Pushing the “Age of Me” Envelope. Does Any Marriage Survive “Modern Monogamy?”” published on JD Supra, there seems to be a significant shift in societal standards, particularly with monogamy and marriage. This shift is causing both curiosity and concern for many – not least amongst professionals in the field of family law.
The article refers to a recent USA Today report discussing marriages with consensual outside relationships. To quote from the piece, the initial reaction of the divorce lawyer contributing the story was “one of disbelief.” Their surprise is understandable, considering their four decades of law practice experience, in which they have encountered couples occasionally engaging in extramarital relationships to maintain excitement in their marriages.
This so-called “modern monogamy” is not universal, with some couples tolerating outside partnerships under the banner of “sex is not my thing anymore.” However, the prevailing question is, how does this new form of monogamy impact the longevity and stability of marriages? The challenge for family courts and legal practitioners alike is to understand and adapt to these changing societal norms, which are reshaping the traditional understandings and expectations of matrimony.
As we delve deeper into the ‘Age of Me,’ these evolving norms urgently ask for a comprehensive re-evaluation of our societal, as well as legal, stance on marriage and relationships. The current trend presents a vivid focus on individual satisfaction, sometimes even at the cost of age-old societal norms – an issue that’s proving increasingly complex for everyone involved, from the couples themselves to the legal professionals assisting them.