The media sells us many lies including unrealistic expectations of love and the bliss that comes with meaningless sexual exploits and unimpeded independence. Thankfully there are people out there who study facts so we have something to balance Hollywood fairytales.
Web-MD published an article today pointing out that people in relatively happy marriages were significantly less likely to die of stroke over a period of thirty years. The study backs up years of research that has found that there are physical and psychological benefits to having a stable relationship at home.
Before I got married I was reminded repeatedly of the possible down sides of marriage from guys with the rare exception of a few. Men have witnessed in their own homes with their parents, friends and siblings how miserable marriage can be. Hollywood has jumped on this by emasculating and trivializing men on television. This is the result of an industry that is dominated by social liberals, feminist and gays that have an axe to grind with traditional marriage. The result is a society that views marriage and relationships as a death sentence.
The reality is that marriage is not the problem, crazy people are. We live in a society that embraces every unstable and dysfunctional point of view and then promotes it as equal. Every time someone comes along trying to promote morals and marriage they are ridiculed and vilified as being nothing more that a crazy evangelical. Unfortunately many of the voices of morality are later found out to be frauds, in the closet, cheaters or worse. This kills the credibility of all who are promoting reasonable morality and marriage.
It is important to note that marriage is not the solution to bad health rather a vessel that brings structure and stability to the human condition. Living out every thought, emotion and impulse tends to lead one towards dysfunction. You need not look further than 2008-2009. We had Elliot Spitzer, Mark Sanford, Steve McNair and Tiger Woods to name a few. To suggest that marriage is the problem with these people is just plain ignorant.
We need to lose this notion that marriage is just for people who can't hack the single life and are settling. Stable, honest loving relationships bring joy, peace and enlightenment to those willing to do the work necessary. Relationships like plants or cars need to be maintained. With proper care comes positive results and the results are a life with a little more sanity and 64% less chance of a stroke.
Stay Sharp!
STORY: Single Men Have Higher Risk of Stroke
