It is really common in Cambodia. Some parents forced their son or daughter to get married in very young age especially those who live in the provinces or rural areas. I have heard that some Cambodians got married when they were like 14, 15 or 18 years old. Some people didn't even know how to earn the living to support themselves beside working in the farm with their family. Interestingly most of those marriages were arranged marriage. Most of them had never known each other before, no to mention, they had never learned about each other. As a result, some of them couldn't live together happily as they didn't learn about each other if they have something in common. Another bigger contribution to this was the lack of knowledge. I am sure that most of them hardly had finished even high school. Imagine, two young people with less education and don't know how to support themselves live together. Most of them ended up poor and working hard in their entire live, but if they still live with their parents, their situation might have changed a little bit as they still can rely on their parents. i have seen so many Cambodians who got married young and still live with their parents.

By the was, i was asked for a few times by my mom if i wanted to get married. She also arranged me to meet a few people in my home town too. My grandparents also did it. However, it was not when i was 17 or 18 years old. it was when i graduated at the university and have worked for one year and half. Luckily they didn't force me. They always respected my decision which was really nice. They don't ask me about this any more as i clearly told them about my gaol.

I think it would be great to hear about your culture related to marriage. Looking forward to read yours.

Arranged marriage was the world-wide standard until very recently. The practice of marrying for love was extremely rare even in the West until just a few hundred years ago, and caught on very gradually since. Marriage was most often a cementing of ties between families (or oddly, within families) as a matter of economics. I believe arranged marriage is still by far the norm in much of the world, definitely in India, Pakistan, the Middle East and most of Africa.

I never have, and never will, understand how fathers anywhere could sell or marry off their own daughters to men their daughters objected to. I hope that unfortunate scenario is not common in Cambodia.

As long as both sets of parents have their son's/daughter's best interest at heart, and the potential bride and groom have the final say whether or not the match is acceptable, then it's a fine, time-tested custom. It shouldn't ever be forced upon anyone.

I think having an arranged marriage is a good idea. Samouth,, do you have a sister? Perhaps you could become a marriage broker, I have heard they get good money.
PS,, Only send me a PM if your sister is good looking and has lots of money.

Soi Dog wrote:Arranged marriage was the world-wide standard until very recently. The practice of marrying for love was extremely rare even in the West until just a few hundred years ago, and caught on very gradually since. Marriage was most often a cementing of ties between families (or oddly, within families) as a matter of economics. I believe arranged marriage is still by far the norm in much of the world, definitely in India, Pakistan, the Middle East and most of Africa.

I never have, and never will, understand how fathers anywhere could sell or marry off their own daughters to men their daughters objected to. I hope that unfortunate scenario is not common in Cambodia.

As long as both sets of parents have their son's/daughter's best interest at heart, and the potential bride and groom have the final say whether or not the match is acceptable, then it's a fine, time-tested custom. It shouldn't ever be forced upon anyone.

Sadly that kidda scenario is really common in Cambodia. Some parents don't really care as long the groom is rich.

Duncan wrote:I think having an arranged marriage is a good idea. Samouth,, do you have a sister? Perhaps you could become a marriage broker, I have heard they get good money.

PS,, Only send me a PM if your sister is good looking and has lots of money.

Yes i have a sister. Many people said she is beautiful. However, sadly i am not looking for barang brother in law. So, you will never receive my PM. Talking about having a lot of money, i felt like you are a lazy person. If my sister married with you, would you just come to stay with us and doing nothing. go find another one.

Hah! Shot down.

Arranged marriage is like old people throw you into the well, but romantic marriage is like you jump into the well. Hehe .. if you are not srong enough then people will throw you.

MekongMouse wrote:Hah! Shot down.

But only a flesh wound... Looks like I'll have to bypass the marriage broker and go straight for the heart. I'll park my pink scoopy outside her room , that's bound to do it.

Duncan wrote:

MekongMouse wrote:Hah! Shot down.

But only a flesh wound... Looks like I'll have to bypass the marriage broker and go straight for the heart. I'll park my pink scoopy outside her room , that's bound to do it.

You might have better luck just attending random weddings in the province, sleeping in the neighbors house, and seeing what eventuates.