Whether you base it on statistical evidence or perceptual awareness, it is clear that relationships today aren’t given as much importance as they were one or two generations ago. The “generation gap” between the three concurrent generations still on this side of Hades seems to be stretching the bounds of morality as well as tradition. The “one woman man” is already a thing of the past – if it’s fair to say that; and there’s certainly no strong “monogamistic” persuasion coming from the female half of the population either. So why are relationships getting less priority today than 50, 30 or even 20 years ago?

Statistically, the “Millenials”, as they’ve been dubbed – those Americans born between 1982 and 2003 – hold the short end of the stick. A survey by Pew Research clearly shows that less than a third of these individuals consider a successful marriage to be important. On a more relevant note, more than 50% of those surveyed considered good parenting abilities to be crucial.

What Do These Statistics Actually Mean?

For someone from the Baby Boomer generation, role models were strong and the concept of marriage was a whole lot less “fluid” than it is today. Generation X came next with its more permissive behavior and so-called tolerance towards instability within relationships. And finally, Generation Y, or the Millenials, who seem to consider marriage as nothing more than a legitimization of parenthood!

The statistics are merely indicative of a prevailing sentiment about the institution of marriage. In such a world, it might seem naïve to harp on the beauty of relationships and the magic of soul mate friendships, but the fact is that this society that confronts us today is regressing in the one critical area that can bring people together – relationships.

The bottom line here is that people want to focus more on being good parents than being good partners for each other. They’re more eager than ever to become parents because of all the good things they can give their kids today. But isn’t that the same with every generation before and probably after this one?

There’s no couple in the world that doesn’t at least think once – in passing, at least – about having kids. It’s a natural circle of life after all, isn’t it? But the issue here is: why don’t they focus as much on the very thing that leads to children – love and relationship?? Ah, now there’s the rub. This generation X, Y, Z – or whatever label you want to put on it – seems to have its priorities confused. They don’t seem to think that the relationship with their partner is as important as the result of it! Let’s take a look at this paradox and why it needs a solution…

Why Relationships are Important

From the moment a new-born infant recognizes its mother’s scent/feel/touch/taste/sound, it forms a relationship made of positive associations. The security and comfort of a mother-child relationship is unparalleled. From this sprouts other types of relationships, such as those enjoyed with siblings; then it is about closeness with friends and confidantes; finally, the one relationship that you’ve been waiting for all your life – the one that completes you.

At each stage, we form inviolable bonds with other human beings with diverse likes and dislikes. The bond itself is the only thing that ties us together, and it is this bond that is the basis of all relationships. Whether it is the love of a son for his mother or a man for his lover, the glue of interdependency is what keeps it all together. We fulfill each other emotionally, physically, sexually and mentally, and unless all of this tapestry is woven together with the greatest of care, it is easily ripped apart by the slightest of strains.

The Solution

Don’t lose faith in the power of true relationships. If you’re want to give your kids all the love you ever got, then you first have to give and get – from your partner; from your lover; from your soul mate; from the One. This is the only foundation you can lay for a solid relationship with anyone else in your life – including your children.

True love, as much as true friendship, is a hard thing to find and a harder thing to protect. So when you find it, treasure it and nurture it so it can bloom forth and stimulate others. One good relationship is a mere Band-Aid for today’s society of skeptics; ten of them are an eye-opener for others; a hundred will make them sit up and take notice; a thousand will change the future of relationships. Why don’t you start the chain reaction?