Since the 1970s, more Americans have embraced the Soulmate Myth, the idea that marriage is about an intense emotional connection between two people that should only last as long as that connection remains happy and fulfilling. Not surprisingly, this myth powered the divorce revolution of the 1970s, as feelings are a fragile foundation for durable marriage. But, as sociology professor Brad Wilcox of the University of Virginia will argue, the Soulmate Myth is also counterproductive when it comes to fostering higher quality marriages. That’s because directly pursuing marital happiness and abandoning an ethic of marital permanence actually reduces the odds of husbands and wives forging happy unions. Gallery and video are below: