Choosing a life partner is the most consequential decision we make, but many prefer to rely on the understandably romantic, but spectacularly passive, process of ‘falling’ in love with ‘the one’. In this ground-breaking and confronting talk psychiatrist Dr George Blair-West explores why, compared to love marriages, consensual, modern arranged marriages unexpectedly develop much higher marital satisfaction scores over time. He introduces an innovative definition of love and the two crucial questions we should ask before committing to a long-term relationship.

An award-winning author, Dr George Blair-West, a medical doctor and psychiatrist, has worked in couple therapy for 25 years. His writing and speaking career began with scientific publications on suicide and depression when a Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland, resulting in his admission to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1998. Lay articles and five books followed. His book on the psychology of weight loss led to recognition as one of the top 20 international obesity experts in the field. ‘The Way of the Quest’, which explores his deep interest in how to find one’s meaning & purpose in life, garnered several awards in the inspirational fiction genre. 'How to make the biggest decision of your life - Unlocking the secrets to a healthy lasting relationship', builds on his 2017 TED.com talk on avoiding divorce by choosing a partner in a more informed way. He, and his psychologist wife of 35 years, Penny, live in Brisbane and have two adult children.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx