The fairy tale is only the beginning. Lots of hard work to do before the picture is complete.
There is a statistic that has become almost a cliche, which every would-be entrepeneur will be told, over and over as he or she struggles to start a new venture.
(Particularly if that venture is a restaurant.)
“Did you know that 4 out of five new restaurants fail within their first year?”
“Why, yes thank you for sharing that nugget with me. But, I had already heard that.”
“And did you know, that of those that survive, 90% will close in the next year?”
“Okay. I’ll take that information very seriously and not open the restaurant of my dreams. Thank you thank you etc.”
As if.
People who have a dream, do not, as a rule, listen to advice, if that advice is to tread carefully.
When that dream involves a fairy tale marriage they tend to listen even less.
Dreaming big, the thrill of the new, plus hot, new-relationship sex, all have a way of overwhelming one, as common sense flies off on holiday.
Something to consider for Minki van der Westhuizen and Constant Visser who announced the end of their starter marriage this week?
And if the stats on opening restaurants aren’t that encouraging, neither are the chances of success for a first marriage when 1) there is a large age difference between husband and wife 2) either of the couple are young (and 25 is still quite young) 3) one is a celebrity 4) they open a restaurant which (surprise, surprise) closes in it’s first year of trading.
Fame, financial pressure, failure of a dream and differences in life stages, are all hurdles which are tough to overcome.
And starter marriages are more and more prone to failure, whether you are famous, or not.
Is there a way to guarantee that a marriage works? Put it off ’til you’re older? Take your time to get to know the person you intend to marry? Sow your wild oats before you settle down? Be cautious about the amount of pressure you put yourselves under, as you become used to “two becoming one?” Choose sensibly, not only with your heart,(or any other body part) but with your head?
If only it was that easy.
The divorce courts are littered with the carcases of marriages embarked upon with the very best of intentions.
Following a path such as the one that I have outlined above will not guarantee you a “happily ever” after, but it might stack the odds, just a tiny bit more in your favour.
Anyone out there feel like listening to my advice?
Thought not.
Next!
Let me see if there is a cat clip I can post, or perhaps some more breast-y soft furnishings.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Marriages take work. HARD WORK!!! C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T-L-Y! People are to quick to give up before trying. Life’s not the romcom we’d like it to be with a predictable ending. Unless he’s moering you, with his fists or his brainless rantings spewed from his oral cavity, try putting in some work and maybe you’ll get something worthwhile out if it.