Meeting someone whom we love and who loves us back is something most people hope will happen to them some day. Many would like that relationship to develop into a lifetime commitment/marriage and raising a family together. Marriage can bring with it many relationships that can be supportive and enrich our lives. It is no wonder, then, that so much emphasis is put on meeting the right person and that there are now so many ways that we can meet that person, from online dating to culture-specific speed dating. Some people, however, have arranged marriages.

Arranged marriage: a positive experience

The concept of arranged marriage is something that the British population has now become more familiar with, owing to the variety of ethnicities of the people who live in the UK. Arranged marriages are common in, but not exclusive to, Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures. Marriage is seen as a way to make a positive contribution to society and as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Much is done to ensure the two people are suited to each other, so that they will be able to honour their vow of marriage for the rest of their lives. However, the approach to arranged marriage varies considerably between different faiths and cultures, and even within a single culture it is influenced by education.

At one end of the spectrum, there are families where the parents and relatives act as an introductory agency and will do much of the checking and vetting that modern dating agencies do to ensure potential partners have the highest chance possible of being a good match. Add to that the fact that your family knows you better than most; this is becoming an increasingly popular choice among British Asians. Laila had her marriage arranged in this way.