A relationship should be 50/50, but many times it is not. People do not realize the seriousness of commiting to one person. You're joining your whole life to someone, not just the parts you think they should see. Most people cannot get over the selfishness of "me, me, me." When in a relationship, it's not jst abnout "you" anymore.
Some people think that having parents arrange marriages is still ideal because who knows you better than your parents, right? Some cultures that emphazie arranged marriages do not marry people for love.. they do it for money, security, well-being... Love and respect come in time. Many people felt this way for many years, and some still do.
For many reasons, I believe the families of the 2 parties should meet and greet LONG before the big day. You have to know how someone will act around your family, and vice versa. How can you hate the family you are marrying into?
Now, there is nothing wrong with friends.... but serious, commited relationships should be reserved for marriage-minded people, people who plan to merge their lives and remain together until death parts them.