Most of us fantasize about untold wealth—winning the lottery like the lucky UK person who just claimed £103 million, or perhaps inheriting funds from a distant relative. However, that's not reality for most of us. We choose a partner who is our equal in body, mind and spirit.
Even the wealthy get marriage wrong. The playboy, and spiritual leader of 12 million Ismaili Muslims, has ended his marriage to his second wife with a reported £50m settlement. The case was fought first in London’s High Court and then the French judicial system. The man who claims to be the direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed was accused of an affair with an air hostess. And he's 77 years old.
Although born in Switzerland the Aga Khan is a British citizen who spends most of his time at his French chateau. The aging British business magnate, whose wealth is derived partly from tithes given by his followers, married Princess Gabriele zu Leiningen in 1998.
Leaving wealth aside, how can we hope to make the right choice in our marriage? So many factors come into play. The partners must hope that:
- They grow in similar ways
- They keep open to their partner's needs
- They follow the same line of thinking
- They remain faithful
I don't know the secret of choosing the right partner for life. I've followed two separate streams. One thing I learned: you must stay constant and hang on when the ride grows rough. Remember the person you fell in love with at the start. Don't look around for someone else to fill your needs. The situation isn't the same as changing jobs. Honor the vow you have taken.
Many people nowadays remain single. They keep their independence and select temporary partners. I'm not sure this is the best thing for any children who come along. The next generation will tell.
I'd love to hear your views on choosing a partner and how it has worked out for you.