If you’re not sure the relationship you’re currently in is “The One” you could always just fire up that Pinterest wedding board and give the marriage a test-run.
No, seriously. Beta testing is no longer just a test for computer products prior to commercial release (any techies out there?), it’s a chance to see how a marriage works out and then run for hills (with no consequences) when it doesn’t.
It’s called the beta model, and it’s possibly turning the tide of the blessed unions of our future.
Down the aisle (of course, not in white) comes a USA Network poll of about 1,000 people, ages 18-49, asking millennials about their views on marriage. There were five models:
- Presidential: Vows last four years, but after 8 years you can elect to find a new partner.
- Beta: The Union can be formalized or dissolved after a two-year trial period.
- ‘Til death do us part: Nuff said.
- Multiple partner: Marriage can be with more than one person at the same time, each of whom fulfills a need in your life.
- Real estate: Marriage licenses are granted on 5, 7, 10 and 30 year terms, after which the marriage can be renegotiated to be extended.
The Beta model proved to be most popular. In fact, the about 43 percent majority pick of beta was even higher among people our age.
The wonders of the beta model are obvious. After a two year “trial period” the marriage can be either officially formalized or dissolved. There are no consequences, there are no messy divorces, there is just a cinematic parting of ways.
It only makes sense, to a certain degree, that we are hesitant to jump into something destined to end. The United States has one of the highest divorce rates in the entire world. Our marriage role models are poor. Not only are our parents’ divorcees, but our favorite celebrities can’t stay married more than 15 minutes. I don’t think Kim Kardashian’s first marriage lasted even that long.
But something here doesn’t make sense. After chatting with a few of my friends, there seemed to be a consensus that this poll didn’t account for. In the words of my roommate, this idea is a “load of bull” and “that’s what dating is for.”
To these “millennials,” some of the old traditions of the past are not lost. Unless we missed something, you date until you feel like you’re ready and then you get married, or not. Cohabitation used to be the beta test. You live together for a while until you realized how annoying it was that he maxed out your credit cards or how you couldn’t stand how much she maximizes the television. Then he moves out while you keep the apartment (looking out for you, ladies).
Beta marriage is a promise ring for grownups. Like that promise ring means nothing until it’s replaced with an actual ring, a beta marriage means nothing until it’s actually licensed. Both of them mean absolutely nothing with no follow through.
We have a few years. Most of us aren’t getting married yet and for some of us (me) it’s just plain scary. I still hope our ideals don’t change. We don’t need the beta or the presidential or the real estate. Maybe they will go away in a couple years.
Featured photo courtesy of: WordPress
