Judith Viorst: 'One advantage of marriage is that, when you fall out of love with him or he falls out of love with you, it keeps you together until you fall in again.'

One advantage of marriage is that, when you fall out of love with him or he falls out of love with you, it keeps you together until you fall in again.

In her succinct yet thought-provoking quote, Judith Viorst presents an intriguing perspective on the institution of marriage. She highlights one of the advantages of this lifelong commitment, suggesting that it serves as a strong binding force that keeps couples together even when they may temporarily fall out of love with each other. This proposition may seem paradoxical at first glance - after all, isn't love the very foundation upon which a successful marriage is built? However, upon closer examination, Viorst's words reveal a layered understanding of human relationships and the ebb and flow of emotions.At its core, Viorst's quote highlights the resilience and endurance of marriage. Relationships naturally go through peaks and valleys; the initial rush of infatuation may fade, giving way to familiar routines and the challenges of day-to-day life. It is during these challenging times that the true strength of a committed partnership shines through. Rather than viewing falling out of love as a reason to drift apart, Viorst invites us to see it as a temporary state that can be overcome. In this context, marriage becomes a foundation on which love can be rebuilt and rekindled.To further explore this concept, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept - Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of love as a "will to power." Nietzsche argues that love is not merely an emotion or a passive force; it is an active, driving force that seeks dominance and control. According to this view, the initial stages of love, characterized by intense infatuation and desire, showcase this power-seeking tendency. However, as time goes on, this initial intensity often wanes, leading to disillusionment and a sense of falling out of love.Bringing these two perspectives together, we can discern a fascinating juxtaposition. On one hand, Viorst emphasizes the endurance of the commitment made through marriage, insisting that it serves as a unifying force. On the other hand, Nietzsche highlights the dynamic nature of love and cautions against complacency. It is within this tension that we find an opportunity for growth and renewal in relationships.While Nietzsche's perspective might seem challenging to accept, it does offer an alternative way of understanding the benefits of Viorst's quote. Rather than passively waiting for love to "fall in again," perhaps we can actively work towards reigniting the power within our relationships. Marriage, in this sense, becomes a catalyst for personal and collective growth, a space where we can consciously nurture the flame of love and continually rediscover the power that first brought us together.This unexpected philosophical lens prompts a shift in focus, moving away from a static view of love as something that merely happens to us, towards a more proactive approach to maintaining strong and lasting relationships. It encourages us to see marriage as a journey of self-discovery and mutual exploration, where love continuously evolves and transforms, and where the commitment to one another serves as a beacon to guide us through the inevitable challenges we encounter along the way.In conclusion, Judith Viorst's quote invites us to rethink the nature of falling out and falling in love within the context of marriage. It challenges prevailing notions of love as a fixed emotion and encourages us to explore the dynamic and evolving aspects of romantic partnerships. By integrating Nietzsche's concept of love as a "will to power," we are prompted to actively engage in the process of reigniting love within our relationships, thereby utilizing the institution of marriage as a tool for personal growth and connection. Ultimately, Viorst's words remind us that, while love may ebb and flow, the commitment we make within the sanctity of marriage can endure, proving that true love is not just a fleeting emotion but a steadfast choice we make every day.