Page 60 - Advanced Romance

Advanced Romance* 57 your mate is a stranger, leaving you feeling alone when
surrounded by people?
2. Cultural Atmosphere:
As an outgrowth of evolution, and in an effort to regulate the powerful urges of sexuality, have grown all the religious, cultural and governmental sanctions showering marriage and monogamy with endless affirmation. These are advertised and idealized by literally thousands of books, court cases, TV shows, movies, sermons, etc.
If you are trying to plot a freethinking route through the relationship minefields, part of your individuality is to resist the overwhelming railroading imposed by your culture. Since sex has been so taboo for so long, relationships outside the traditional ones involving sex are equally taboo. However, the 50% breakup rate shows that the traditional approaches can no longer claim overwhelming success. Do your own thing if you can. But still remember, a good enough relationship bird in the hand is probably better than rolling the dice.
3. Raising children:
Society needs a stable, loving platform on which to raise the kids. Marriage is certainly one of the best,