Human beings moved around as hunters and gatherers for thousands of years. In those days we probably had relatively short romantic relationships that lasted only a few years. When one relationship ended, we just connected with someone else. This all changed a few thousand years ago when we started living as farmers. We built houses and raised cattle. And with acquiring possessions, the question arose: “Who inherits my possessions when I die?”
Thus, monogamous marriage became popular because when you enter marriage as a virgin and only have sex with each other for the rest of your life, you can be sure that the children that come from that marriage are yours.
“So the idea of being with one partner for your entire life has only been a trend for a relatively short time,” I say. “Yes, it’s only been that way for a few thousand years!” Laughs Imme. “That seems like a very long time, but it’s really only a short while when you look at the entire human history. Yet many people think we have to find that one true love, to whom we can commit forever. And if we can’t find that one perfect person, apparently we keep making the wrong choices or there must be something wrong with us.” Imme sighs.
