Traditional societies rejected romantic love were as today's society embraces it, yet it is the most recent and least successful evolutionary stage in the history of marriage. Traditional societies looked at marriage as a family matter not a private affair between two individuals. They believed in preserving and protecting the basic family unit. Marriage was a duty. Arranged marriages require a more durable foundation than romantic love and wisdom is more important then passion when choosing a partner. The true purpose of marriage was a principle rather than the self-interest of the couple, and emotional satisfaction was not the purpose of marriage.
Marriage was very important to the preservation of the family, it was considered a very important duty. Arranged marriages in Hindu family's will often cause debt in order to marry off the daughter. The bride's entire family pays for nearly the entire wedding. Indian girls are married generally at an early age, whereas the boys to marry early is not necessary or are usually a few years older than their bride's. It was not uncommon for boys ten to thirteen marring girls two or three years younger. The females are married off at such young ages because they are considered a continuous drain on the family's resources that offers no return. A boy on the other hand will stay home and work and when his father is old will take care of him. The selection of mates was determined by social, political and economic considerations directed either toward establishing new ties or old ones. In India and china there is usually a middleman to help the families find suitable mates for their children and do all the financial, religious, social, and other negotiations, which are necessary to bring marriage a successful marriage together. The heads of the family along with their wives and other adult members makes the final decision.
In the past society was more structured married partners did not rely on each other for emotional gratification they could find it elsewhere.