Today, as always, there is an epidemic of failed and unhappy marriages and relationships. Over 50% of marriages end in divorce. 54% of second marriages end in divorce. Many (not all) of those still married or in relationships are unhappy, bored, feel "trapped", or exploited.  

      According to the famous Hite Research Project (1980s) over 80% of male-female relationships are emotionally unsatisfying. Alcohol, drug abuse, depression, work addiction, and extramarital affairs are escapes from intimacy.

        Pornography, especially Internet pornography, is a multi-billion dollar growth industry.  This and soliciting prostitutes are strange substitutes for "healthy" relationships. Further, a Journal of the American Medical Association study (February 10, 1999) found that 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men in America suffer from sexual dysfunction.  Many get "high" on new relationships, then leave when the high wears off.      

      According to the World Almanac (2007), almost 200,000 rapes are "reported" yearly in the United States. According to the US Department of Justice physical and emotional violence in marriage, relationships, and teen dating is a widespread problem.

       On 25 February 2008 United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke to the Commission on the Status of Women. He reported that world wide violence and crimes against women are epidemic. He called on Member States throughout the world to take action.

       If "society" worked seriously and honestly to improve male-female relationships, would there be fewer bloody and senseless wars in the world and more Peace?  

        And, yes of course, there are many marriages, friendships, and relationships that are mutually enriching and satisfying. But what would follow up studies reveal?  

      And finally, there are many truly wonderful and caring people on this planet. And hope does spring eternal.