Lydia and Wickham- Dating Advice

                The marriage of Lydia and Wickham was the worst example of a relationship during Jane Austen's time as well as during our time. By observing what they do in their relationship, people today can learn the negatives of a spontaneous relationship. Their relationship can be seen as everything not to do when one wants to meet someone and eventually get married.
                When one wants to begin dating, there are many options on how to do so. Everything from online dating to going to a bar is a way to meet people who one could have a potential relationship. The key however, to a successful relationship is first getting to know someone before committing to anything too serious. A serious relationship does not necessarily need to be marriage, it could be simply introducing this person to ones parents, moving in together, or engaging in an intimate relationship This progression of a relationship can occur at any pace but it should be one that is comfortable for both parties. It is important to know what you want from the relationship personally and be able to present it to your significant other. Being able to discuss your individual desires is key for a relationship to be successful. Without communication, the relationship cannot move forward in a manner that is comfortable for both parties.
                A successful relationship can progress at any speed that the couple agrees upon but historically, waiting spans of time for certain milestones can make the relationship more meaningful. By waiting longer, the couple has the ability to become more emotionally synchronized with each other and it can give them time to discuss what they want from a relationship. Some parts of a relationship can be compromised upon to allow it to continue. If one party wants to wait a longer span of time to move in together, if the other party can accept this, the relationship can move forward. There are however, certain aspects that cannot be compromised. For example, if one party wants to have five children before they are thirty-five and the other is not interested in having children at all, the relationship will most likely not be successful because that is a significant part of a relationship. By communicating, one can learn if their significant other has the same future desires as them, and if they do not, they can choose to move on to another relationship is they see it more prudent to do so.
                Lydia and Wickham follow absolutely none of these aforementioned parts to a successful relationship. To compare it to present-day relationships, their marriage most closely resembles a drunken Vegas wedding. There is no thought of the future or consequences and no communication between the two parties. They meet, have a fun day and then run away together, just like couples in Vegas who wake up the next morning regretting what they have done. After the excitement of marriage wears off, Lydia will most likely see the error of her ways and realize that she is not happy with Wickham and if she had communicated with him prior to their elopement, she could have realized it and never married him. By observing the relationship and marriage of Lydia and Wickham, one can learn exactly how to an unsuccessful relationship.