'Brief Encounter'

People often criticize modern culture for the fact that there are so many divorces. As if it's some testament of our departure from God or some breakdown in the familial mores.

I think it's more of a statement on the fact that in first-world countries, we're no longer simple-minded brutes living in a cesspool where marriage is more a social statement than an act of love. I would daresay there are more people married today in love than there were in the 1850s, 1900s or 1920s.

The very fact that the institution of marriage has changed so dramatically even over the last 40 years (more or less the last 90) is a clear indication that women are considered actual human beings instead of an ornament men take to parties. It's not a breakdown in family values. It's further evidence that people have a tough time getting along together.

As for adultery, it's kind of stupid. The only time it really makes sense is if the other person is abusive or just down-right mean.

Why the lady in Brief Encounter would want to hurt those not hurting her supports my general assertation that people are assholes.

Women would probably be less willing to enter into an affair if they truly understood that men just want to get laid. It's never about emotions or the relationship. Just carnal.