onlyawhisper saidWith divorce rates so high, I'm really starting to think it would be a good idea for engaged couples to have to undergo a polygraph test before they are allowed to legally marry. The test would be conducted by a professional, but each partner would get the chance to ask the person they plan on marrying 5-10 questions that they would like answers to, before making that commitment.
It would be up to the couple to decide whether or not they want to proceed with the marriage based upon the results, but the test itself should be required by law in my opinion.
Anyone else think this might be a good idea?
I was introduced to polygraph "lie detector" tests during my military police officer training. Not because I would be administering them myself, but so that I understood their operation, their reliability and limits in law enforcement. I even took one myself as a demonstration.
The manner of stating the question is important. The intended spouse should probably not ask the questions personally. An accusatory tone and verbiage might affect the response.
Questions might be provided to the trained test administrator beforehand, who would reword them as necessary. And the intended spouse would not be present, no one but the test administrator.
But the entire concept itself is inherently accusatory and confrontational. I certainly wouldn't be comfortable with it myself. I always thought a good method, which I've used, is to just live with that person for a while if feasible, or at least spend lots of time with them.
Phonies, and serious personality defects, usually become obvious over time. Although I know some people are very gullible, and spending extended time with the other person only makes them more their defenders and apologists, even when defects do become evident.
I suppose that's why the US divorce rate is so high. Plus everyone changes over time. The person you married 20 years ago may not be the same person you're living with today.
