Another thought-provoking and well-written article, and very timely. Although pair-bonding, being biological in origin, is not likely to go out of style, I suspect traditional marriage will not continue for much longer as the cultural linchpin it was when I was young.

I watch for the rise of cohabitation contracts, child-rearing contracts, and time-limited marriages. How likely is it that the legal industry will ignore the money waiting to be made in that fertile (and eminently practical) territory?

Regardless of how the norms and formal structures evolve, the idea of pursuing a lot more relationships past the bare-acquaintance level still may be good advice. One needs friends, and one needs to become aware of the diversity of human beings. That can only happen when we talk to one another.