Love - the New Mythology

In today's world, it seems love has been given an almost mystical quality by humanity. Throughout time, love has been sung about, written about, pondered and philosophized over. In modern times, however, it has been deemed powerful enough to fell nations and is the main quality people use to guide their lives. Pursuit of love causes people to act in ways they are unaccostomed to and make decisions that defy logic. Once love is "found"; people then start to sacrifice parts of themselves to unite with another. Sometimes much to the "lovers" detriment and personal growth. If the relationship is taken to the next level, that is when the mythology of love truly kicks in - when "rules" are set in place; when expectations are established, when self interest becomes a flaw rather than a means of contentment.
Marriage is the ultimate statement of - "this is forever". Keeping in mind that in the days marriage was established; "'til death do us part" meant an average age of 40. However, in todays world where we live so much longer and marriages last so much longer - the idea of marriage has drastically changed. Where you once had just enough time to raise your children before dying (which made them your primary focus); today's marriages have thoughts of the children, the relationship, the individual wants of each person and the idea of whats "expected" of married people. Where the children were once the primary focus of a marriage; today's couples generally view children as an afterthought - as current divorce rates will attest. The focus since the feminist revolution has shifted from the responsibility of motherhood to become the responsibility to having everything a woman wants - a career; all of her emotions validated and followed; to being involved in her husbands life to it's very core. The Bible states "Women submit to your husbands; husbands love your wives". This arrangement has worked throughout history as a proper "checks and balances" system. Women once appreciated having a strong husband and a great father. The man was allowed his time and space as breadwinner. After the seventies however; women were taught to denounce their femininty and follow the male model. Marriage then had rules in place for men - and women as well. The irony is that we marry the one we loved - only to try and change them once we they commit their life to us. I believe marriage should be a combining if two individuals who then remain individuals trekking through life together. Whychange what you love.... And how can you feel empowered to seek to control others through passive-aggressive rules and expectations....
Another detriment to marriage (and proponent to the love myth) is todays high tech society. The internet has made us a immediate gratification; all information available environment. Couples feel they should have an all access pass into each others lives. All questions or topics should be on the table and should be respected. People (mainly women) have lost sight that alot if what we think or say just doesn't NEED to be discussed and dissected. "Private thoughts" no longer seem to exist. The ability to prioritize has been lost in a swirl of online nonsense.... This is where love comes in; "If you love me; you would let me in" is a mindset set forth by our immediate gratification complex. All over the internet there are ways to "Find the one you want!"; or "Date sexy singles!" , perpetuating the myth that love is a omnipresent force that can be unleashed and overtake you. Much like "Greek Gods" who would impact your life based on a whim...
Ultimately, love is simply a choice. It's a decision that says "I like having you around and will share my life and my self with you. I make the choice to trust you and take a chance - as you are different". It has been provided the allure we hold today merely because it puts it outside our control - I didn't CHOOSE this, it chose ME. As such, I will follow the siren's song to nowhere.... for the sake of "love". Much like an other mythology or religion; it provides us "something bigger" to answer to..... outside of ourselves.