The horse and carriage is a thing of the past, but love and marriage are still with us and

still closely interrelated. Most American marriages, particularly first marriages【C1】______ young Couples, are the result of【C2】______ attraction and affection【C3】______ than practical considerations.

In the United States, parents do not arrange marriages for their children. Teenagers begin【C4】______ in high school and usually find mates through their own academic and social【C5】______ .

Though young people feel【C7】______ to choose their friends from【C6】______ groups, most choose a mate of similar background.

This is【C8】______ in part to parental guidance. Parents cannot select spouses for their children, but they can usually【C9】______ choices by【C10】______ disapproval of someone they consider unsuitable.

【C11】______ , marriages between members of different groups (interclass, interfaith, and interracial marriages) are increasing, probably because of the greater【C12】______ of today's youth and the fact that they are restricted by【C13】______ prejudices than their parents. Many young people leave their home towns to attend college,【C14】 ______ in the armed forces,【C15】______ pursue a career in a bigger city.

Once away from home and family, they are more【C16】______ to date and marry outside their own social group.

In mobile American society, interclass marriages are neither【C17】______ nor shocking. Interfaith marriages are【C18】______ the rise particularly between Protestants and Catholics. On the other hand, interracial marriage is still very uncommon. It can be difficult for interracial couples to find a place to live, maintain friendships, and【C19】______ a family. Marriages between people of different national【C20】______ (but the same race and religion) have been commonplace here since colonial times.

【C1】

A．involving

B．linking

C．connecting

D．correlating