The phrase signals an exploration of narratives, often fictional, where a marriage is entered into with the explicit or tacit understanding that its duration will be limited. These stories frequently involve pre-nuptial agreements, arranged marriages for convenience, or strategic unions aimed at achieving specific financial or social goals, with dissolution planned from the outset. A prevalent example involves characters agreeing to a temporary marriage to secure an inheritance or resolve a business predicament, fully aware that a divorce will eventually follow.
The prominence of such themes in online literature speaks to several significant trends. Firstly, it reflects a fascination with unconventional relationships and the challenges they present. Secondly, it taps into contemporary anxieties surrounding marriage, divorce, and the commodification of relationships. Historically, arranged marriages, often driven by practical considerations, were commonplace, however, the explicit agreement of eventual divorce within a narrative construct offers a modern twist on these traditional arrangements. The accessibility of these stories through online platforms expands the audience and amplifies the discourse surrounding the complexities of modern relationships.