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Arranged marriages actually tend to work out quite well in India. People might be quick to say it's because they're forced into it, but studies have actually said otherwise. It forces a couple to actually learn to work together, rather than being immediately blinded by love, then the flame quickly dying.

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Yes, my South Indian co-workers report their satisfaction as I was greatly curious. They are also nicer people, more in control of their emotions, less anxious, than the Americans I've worked with, so perhaps the study being cited in great-grandparent's Psychology Today article is onto something when it suggests that there's something wrong with individualistic societies like American's rather than the more partisan take in the article.

Maybe marriages work exactly as much as people make them work regardless of how it starts?

Indian culture is vastly different from American. I actually kind of envy it, as it seems to have much of what America is lacking. A friendship with Indians has a strength it's almost hard to comprehend as an American. Once you are welcomed into their community you truly become a part of it. For me a big bonus is they always want to make sure you're well fed.

Does it force a couple to work together, or the woman to adjust?

If women had financial independence, would it show the same results?

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