The changing face of relationships in India

Phrases such as live-in relationship, pre-marital sex before a marriage and divorce, as are the various facets of male-female ratio is no longer taboo in India, but those aspects are an urban phenomenon. What are their consequences? Live-in relationships, pre-marital sex, divorce, pre-marital agreements --- words that were taboo just five years ago, defining the new face of relationships in India today. Veil of conservatism has finally been thrown to allow rays of reality to get into the minds of every Indian. We have finally realized that the world we live in today has changed. Realization has dawned that the needs and demands of modern life has changed, and cling to outdated beliefs will not take us anywhere.

Live-in relationships are the new realities in Indian society. They are more and more prominent place in our society and is no longer taboo. It is not that the relationship of this kind never existed in the past. They did. The only difference is that couples are now coming out of the closet and openly talking about it. Celebrities like Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and others are openly admit that they are in such a relationship. Even a prestigious banner like Yash Raj films came up with a movie like "Salaam Namaste", which openly supports live-in relationships. The success of this film shows the point that we finally come to terms with a relationship of this kind. Naturally, the presence of this new concept with respect, it is still city-centric and more common in the metropolitan area cities.

Live-in relationship is a very progressive concept that gives couples time to find out whether they are compatible. These relationships sometimes end up in marriage. But even if they do not, the parties can still stay clear of legal trouble that come with separation. It gives partners the freedom to go out of the relationship and when they want. This kind of a relationship gives rise to questions over the custody of the children, but these are issues that can be handled by the couple before they enter the relationship. Most couples decide to postpone pregnancy until they decide to marry, if at all they do.

In the film, Neal and Nikky 'heroine says, "my last boyfriend' left me because I refused to have sex with him .... Maybe I should have." This clearly defines the change in the thinking process of the present generation. Pre-marital sex is another word that is included in the latest dictionary of conditions that the youth of this generation. Again, the point here is to accept that it has received. It always existed, but it is only now that it will be openly discussed.

There are still many for whom even thinking about anything like pre-marital sex is a moral crime. But there is no doubt that the shackles parochialism is on the verge of being broken, and it will not be long before pre-marital sex is a widely accepted reality.

There was a time when marriage was regarded as a divine union of two souls for life. The reality today is that couples do not hesitate to seek divorce at the slightest provocation. Divorce cases are increasing as today few believe it is better to end a relationship than to continue with the burden of a death to life. Both partners have their professional careers to manage and do not have time and patience to make attempts to revive the relationship.

Another concept related to divorce, it is pre-nuptial agreement. It is still more of a Western phenomenon, but the way India is progressing on the relationship front, it will not be long before it becomes common in India too. Pre-nuptial agreement is basically an agreement that included couples before marriage. It specifies clearly how much money each spouse would get if they divorce. Finding support for such an agreement in India, will not be easy. We are a society where marriage is regarded as a divine union and hence too sacred to allow instruments as pre-nuptial agreements. But if you look practically, this agreement ensures financial security in case of divorce. It is a big step forward in the safety of women, as women are spared the tedious legal process, maintenance-related requirements result.

All these concepts are too progressive for our society of today and will take some time before finding universal acceptance. But the very fact that these phrases are openly talked about confirms that the concepts that have arrived.