Marriage is often seen as the ultimate aspiration, punctuating every romantic film and happily-ever-after. Yet, marriage was originally a pragmatic social contract providing economic benefits, secured alliances, and ensured lineage. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant speaks to psychotherapist and marriage counselor Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW about what might now be a fading tradition, and what it means for committed relationships. Also an author, TEDx speaker, podcaster and leadership consultant, Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW earned his Master of Social Work from Columbia University and Master of Philosophy from Lancaster University. After enjoying several defining moments in his life, he applied to and enrolled in graduate school to follow his emerging passion of serving others as a psychotherapist. In this episode, Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW outlines some of the key challenges faced by couples when attempting to reconsider their approach to marriage, but reveals the ways in which this could lead to greater fulfillment and satisfaction in their relationships. To add, Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW shares recommendations on activities and practices that may prove useful to couples in prioritizing their relationship amidst the demands of daily life. Together, Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW and Dina discuss the various exercises couples could engage in to navigate their conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner. So, tune in to this episode for fascinating insights on what forever could look like without the legal contract and wedding bells. Visit Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW’s work: https://www.melschwartz.com/  Connect with Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW on the following platforms:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelHSchwartz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melschwartz7/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melschwartz7/  Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familysciencelabs/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/family.science.labs.1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/family.science.labs/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/showcase/familysciencelabs/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/FaScienceLabs/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@family.science.labs/ You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast/id1648226863Spotify: https://www.open.spotify.com/show/2KsAHQ9cboyvEwXq2oNGXFAmazon: https://www.music.amazon.com/podcasts/97921230-f6e8-4e0b-aaf6-57475fa796d7/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcastiHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/102676509Podbean: https://www.familyscienceinsights.podbean.com/PlayerFM: https://www.player.fm/series/3401811Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-together-the-family-scienc-4903181