You probably wouldn't buy a new smartphone if it didn't come with a risk-free trial period, but would you want the same setup for your marriage? According to a recent survey, most millennials are totally on board with the idea of a "trial marriage." Let us explain:
The survey—commissioned by USA to promote their new drama Satisfaction—asked 1,000 Americans ages 18-49 about their attitudes and thoughts on relationships. We've already reported on some of the eye-popping results, like that 81 percent would cheat if there were no consequences, and that 51 percent of people believe monogamy isn't totally realistic.
But get this: Almost half of millennials (43 percent overall, and higher among the youngest subset) said they would support a "beta" marriage model that involved a two-year trial—after which the union could be formalized or dissolved, no divorce or paperwork necessary. (Um, isn't that an engagement?)
Another 33 percent said they'd consider trying what researchers coined the "real estate" approach—marriage licenses granted on five-, seven-, 10- or 30-year arms, after which the terms could be renegotiated. Finally, 21 percent said they'd dabble in the "presidential" method, in which marriage vows last for four years but after eight you may choose a new partner.
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It might seem crazy, but could these try-before-you-buy ideas actually make some sense? On one hand, you certainly can't blame a generation for being a little cautious about commitment after being bombarded with scary divorce stats all their lives. And it seems like there’s another beloved celebrity couple splitting up every week (thanks a lot, conscious uncoupling). For a generation that's constantly presented with the next best thing—in technology, social media, and online dating—it makes sense that they would be intrigued by a beta method when it comes to love.
That said, new research shows that the divorce rate is actually much lower than you think, and the majority of married couples are happy. Not to mention, renegotiating a marriage every few years sounds exhausting and not at all sexy. Plus, it's a little depressing to think about trying on a relationship the same way we consider an awesome pair of Jimmy Choos. (Whatever happened to vows, people?!)
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But don't get discouraged too quickly. Just because the survey respondents would consider these unique unions, that doesn't mean all millennials are way too cynical for love. According to recent data from the Pew Research Institute, though just 26 percent of millennials are married (compared to 48 percent of Baby Boomers at that age), an impressive 69 percent of them would like to get married. And whether they'd be happiest with a lifelong love or a monogam-ish setup, it's clear that romance isn’t totally extinct.
Tell us: What do you think about "trial marriages?" Would you test out a marriage, knowing you could dissolve it without any legal intervention a few years later? Let us know in the comments below.
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