I have read various articles in The Times of Malta pertaining to marriage, divorce and causes of marital failure.
Many marriages are doomed when men and women merely parrot-out verbiage masquerading as "vows" simply to sound "romantic".
Instead, they should regard the vows of Holy Matrimony as solemn, sacred promises which are meant to be binding.
People entering marriage ought to inwardly take upon themselves the thorough dedication toward fulfilment as physicians have done when they take their Hippocratic Oath upon entering their profession to "do no harm".
Too often, brides focus on their "wedding dress" or their "wedding day" - instead of putting diligent planning into their whole wedded life. Similarly, bridegrooms foolishly envision every day as a honeymoon.
When men and women begin to lose the notion of "forever", the pledges or obligations begin to lose their lustre - and the tie that binds begins to unravel. Formerly divorces had a "stigma" and some couples often stayed together due to that - or "for the sake of the children" (if any).
Easy divorce laws may tempt a couple to dissolve their marriage a little sooner; but I think that the laws aren't to blame for marital failure. It is a trend toward "disposable relationships" combined with a lack of commitment from the very start... which boils to the surface.
The intent of Honourable Vows is to put the relationship on a solid foundation with firm footing upon which to build. Vows help provide a sense of balance and clear the path ahead.
For those who take vows sincerely, the fulfilment of such solemn promises generates other helpful attributes of confidence, fortitude, perseverance, love and forgiveness.
If a person or relationship is empty or devoid of that nurturing cradle of reinforcing "vows", their arrangement is hollow and prone to failure.
Unreasonable expectations and unreliable actions are the true causes of marital failure. In my opinion, successful people and successful marriages prevail in large part due to honourable vows, faithfully and solemnly taken.