Madam, - When one thinks of the role that financial difficulty plays in relationship problems, it was disturbing to read a recent report that "young brides borrowed 38 per cent more to fund their weddings last year than they did in 2005, with the average Irish wedding estimated to cost more than €30,000, according to loan provider GE Money". According to their statistics, on average, people borrowing to pay for a wedding took out 26 per cent more than in 2005 and among women in their 20s, the increase was 38 per cent.
As a counsellor, I am well aware that a major issue in troubled relationships is financial burden, which puts immeasurable strain on a couple, forcing them into longer working hours, long commuting to more affordable housing and rows and arguments brought on by high stress levels.
It is alarming that young couples are now starting off their married lives with such a high level of borrowing, not just for their first home, but for the wedding day itself. One must conclude that it is making them more vulnerable to financial hardship and increases the chances of placing strain on their relationships. - Yours, etc,
CASSIAN SWEENEY, Chairperson, AIM Family Services, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.