By Chong Zi (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-02-04 17:09

Marriage came into being at a time when life expectancy was much shorter and "till death us do part" meant until the age of perhaps 40. There was no expectation of continuous joy, and sexual contentment stretching over decades. Today, we expect too much of a relationship.

I remember my parent's generation where monogamy and stability - yes, even tedium - were applauded. Today, nobody gives you a gold star for staying married. We live in a world where moral values are declining.

People are still shocked when a marriage breaks up but - given how difficult it can be to sustain a long-term relationship - instead of being disappointed with those who fail, we should applaud those who make it work.

2008 is a leap year - it offers a reason for lovers to tie the knot. Many people are expected to get married this year because eight is a lucky number for the Chinese, and the Beijing Olympics is an event to remember.

Lao's daughter will be one of them. Lao is happy about her prospective son-in-law. She and her daughter had met four other suitors, before this successful meeting.

Lao and her husband may leave Beijing, where they have lived for six years, after their daughter's marriage. Their home is in Hebei province.

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