Do you agree with Vidya Balan?

It's not only about 2 people. It's about entire ecosystem around those two people. Supportive parents or relatives can help in crisis. Non-supportive can help in failure.

Yes true.

What she is saying marriage "is" is what marriage should be in India. Unfortunately, in India (subcontinent), marriage is between families, if we are talking about how it is, what is real, not how it SHOULD be. I agree with her on how it should be, but it's not like that.

It is definitely the opposite of how it should be in India. And there lies all the heartbreak and resentment.

I agree with Vidya. Any third person's interference in decision or issue of marriage can ruin it. Two persons must be mature to handle their marriage. Family's role is essential but there should be boundaries.

Precisely!

Ideally, that's how it should be, that's how it is in most countries, especially the West But in India it is different. Besides the couple, the girl's in-laws are first priority even if you aren't living together. Because Mom has the remote control & hasn't cut the umbilical cord

The situation is similar on the boy’s side too, whether he’s a mumma’s boy or daddy’s boy. I have seen both cases and the wives were miserable

I was happily married for 33 years, just between two people. It ended because my wife passed away.

Terry, I'm so sorry.