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Does Marriage Change the Rules of Fidelity? Spoiler: It’s Complicated
From Love Potions to Legal Contracts — How Marriage Redefines Loyalty
The Myth of Everlasting Monogamy
Before saying “I do,” many believe fidelity is a simple equation: love equals exclusivity. But once the wedding bells fade, reality kicks in. Does marriage strengthen commitment — or merely redefine its rules?
As a physician anesthesiologist fascinated by both science and philosophy, I’ve observed human relationships under unique circumstances. Patients have confessed fears about fidelity before surgery. Some have admitted to living double lives. Others, under sedation, whispered secrets they might never share otherwise. Marriage, I’ve come to realize, isn’t just about love. It’s about negotiation.
Fidelity Before and After the Vows
The expectations around fidelity shift once legalities enter the picture. Before marriage, infidelity is a moral issue — after, it’s often a contractual one. Adultery can lead to financial ruin, legal battles, or social ostracization.
Historically, marriage was less about romance and more about alliances. In medieval Europe, noblemen maintained mistresses while securing politically…
