text: I agree with most of your sentiments.  I think that, as unpalatable as we Westerners have found arranged marriages, all things equal, relationships last longer and are ultimately more fulfilling when they are begun based upon substantial commonalities (religion, socioeconomic status and goals, philosophical approaches to life, and other deep aspects of personhood).  I have never had a relationship last or be very satisfying when it was begun based upon physical or sexual attraction, the potential for some gain, or because others thought we would be good together or should marry.\nI also do not feel that even the best relationship is likely to overcome the most profoundly hurt and unhappy people's disenchantment with life.  However, once one has begun to find her own happiness, the right partner can certainly accentuate an already positive life.  It is those relationships for which we should strive; and for no less than that should we settle.