Family Role, Key In Selecting Spouse

Tehran, Oct 22, IRNA - Despite its importance in having a successful and long-lasting marriage, families seem to be less involved in selecting the right person for their children to marry, said Tahoura Norouzi, a family consultant. “Traditionally, families married off their children to anyone they thought was suitable, but today their role has been eliminated totally, neither of which is correct,” she added. “A reasonable outlook is required in selecting the right person and the views of both parents and children must be respected”. Norouzi said there are general and personal factors crucial for selecting a spouse. Citing an example, the consultant said ethics are general criteria because all people attach high importance to them. “Personal factors vary from person to person. For example, some attach importance to higher education and appearance, and others might prefer money over other qualifications,” she said. “Although education, money and appearance are not defining factors in having a successful marriage, families could play an important role in confirming their veracity.” Norouzi noted that marriage consultation is a long-term process, which must be conducted before and after marriage. “Living in a society where people generally talk about money, wealth, education and physique , the youths will also attach importance to things concerning the appearance of life,” she said. Norouzi said determining the right criterion is essential for having a long-lasting marriage. Referring to match-making websites in Iran, the consultant said surveys show that women and girl enrolling on these websites are found to be more serious, but boys and men refer to sites for spending time and entertainment. Noting that social factors play an indirect role in people’s decision, Norouzi said an increasing number of girls seek educated and employed suitors. “Girls marrying boys younger than themselves were looked upon negatively in the past, but today it is not regarded as such,” he said./end