Parents' unsuccessful marriage

The results of the studies presented on the following pages show that the family of origin, especially the quality of the parents' relationship, strongly influences the attitude of young people towards their own marriage or being in a relationship. The respondents admitted that a negative image of father-mother relationships is an important reason for them being single. Firstly, they indicated the formality of the marriage of their parents, who actually lived not together but “next to each other.” During their early youth and childhood they often witnessed their parents fighting in a disrespectful manner and with no will to compromise. The singles observed that the relationships of their parents lasted, although more in a virtual sense, as each of the parents had their own life, and only lived together for the sake of the children. The current life situation of the single is a consequence of the careful selection of partners. They are motivated to constantly reject potential candidates due to a very negative image of the relationship of their parents. Some of the respondents cannot imagine living in relationships or marriages similar to those of their parents, and therefore they prefer to be single than to live with the wrong partner: “My parents have been married for 34 years and I think that they are not happy, as they have different views, plans, or priorities, and little in common.”