According to the law in Norway people can freely choose their own partner.
People choose a partner based on certain criteria. Often people are not aware that they are using these criteria. Some people are aware of them and only want a partner who meets those criteria. For example:
- origin;
- personality;
- intelligence;
- humour;
- financial situation;
- appearance…
A woman happily embracing the partner she chose
Both men and women can take the initiative to start a relationship.
Sometimes the parents or other family members choose the person their child will marry. This is called an arranged marriage. The youngsters can often decide if they want to get married or not, but this is not always the case. A forced marriage is forbidden by law.
