Can a marriage exist without love, romance, or intimacy? Surprisingly, for many modern young people, the answer is yes. Amidst the popularity of casual relationships like hook-ups and situationships, today’s youth are drawn to a new form of union known as ‘friendship marriage.’ In these relationships, people marry their friends, but there is no romantic or physical connection involved. Originating in Japan, this trend is gradually gaining traction in India.
A Marriage for Appearances
While celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Varun Dhawan have married friends they loved, today’s Generation Z seeks something different. They favor partnerships without promises, romantic attachments, or intimacy. Although legally recognized as husband and wife, these couples remain just friends behind closed doors.
The Freedom to Love Outside the Marriage
In friendship marriages, partners share living expenses like roommates and have the freedom to pursue romantic relationships with others. If they wish to have children, they often turn to options like IVF or surrogacy. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, this type of arrangement is particularly common in the LGBTQ community.
Emerging in India’s Urban Landscape
While Indian society views marriage as a union of families rather than just individuals, friendship marriages are becoming more common in metro cities. Relationship expert Neha Khanna notes that with more people choosing not to have children, friendship marriages are attractive because they come without traditional pressures. Instead of raising kids, such couples might opt for pets. For the LGBTQ community, still facing social stigma, friendship marriages provide a way to live authentically.
The Importance of Emotional Connection
Marriage is often based on emotional support; when one partner is troubled or unwell, the other provides comfort. This emotional bond fosters love and respect. Friendship marriages, however, lack this depth of connection, which can be a disadvantage for building a lasting relationship.
Intimacy and Communication: Keys to Longevity
While friendship marriages may include strong communication, they typically lack intimacy. This can challenge the durability of the relationship. Despite this, if there is mutual respect and clear boundaries, such a partnership can thrive even without physical closeness.
The Advantages of Marrying a Friend
Neha Khanna highlights that friendship marriages offer several benefits. Partners in these marriages know each other well, eliminating the need for pretense and enabling them to be themselves. They share laughter and honest conversations, creating an environment where neither judges nor conceals their true identities. This openness extends to their sexuality and relationships.
Why Some Find Happiness in Friendship Marriages
Many people in India marry under family pressure and suppress personal desires to maintain these unions. This can lead to dissatisfaction and mental health struggles. For LGBTQ individuals, forced marriages can be particularly distressing, sometimes resulting in depression. With increased awareness of mental health and the importance of self-love, more young people are choosing to marry according to their own terms. Friendship marriages have emerged as a solution, allowing individuals to embrace their true selves and live more fulfilling lives.
