People fall in love at first sight, experience unwavering passion, and live happily ever after. But it doesn't usually happen that way in the real world. That's why universities across the United States are offering undergraduate classes on the realities of relationships, marriage and divorce.
For instance, on the first day of "Marriage 101" at Seattle Pacific University, students plan a mock wedding ceremony in 20 minutes. What's the message? Most people prepare more for their wedding than they do for their marriage. And these "marriage 101" classes are popping up all over the place, from Pepperdine University in California, to the University of Minnesota, to Northwestern.
But these college classes don't just look at marriage. They also explore the reasons people get divorced. Students deconstruct marriage vows, compile a shopping list of traits for their dream partner, and interview divorced people. Some classes even include practical skills, like conflict resolution and constructive arguing.
Researchers believe college is a good time to examine divorce. That's because most college students are dating.
And relationships are a very big part of their life. But if you're too old for college, you can do your own "Marriage 101" home-study course. Check out the book The Divorce Culture: Rethinking Our Commitments to Marriage and Family by Barbara Whitehead.