well, the pessimistic view, as also expressed by michel houllebecq in his books: ugly, weird, fat (and come on, look at our industry) people tend to stick to t

well, the pessimistic view, as also expressed by michel houllebecq in his books: ugly, weird, fat (and come on, look at our industry) people tend to stick to their partners because they know that the alternative is not another partner - but being alone. truly attractive (varies by gender, between pure aestethics and power, wealth) humans tend to have more relationships - because of pure availability. it is one thing to stay loyal if there is no one actively going after you, but a whole other ballgame once you have suitors. "is there someone better out there for me?" is the key question that defines longevity of marriage. and fear of being forever alone is a strong bond. think about it the next time you see a morbidly obese couple living "happily" together.