Historically, marriages were based on socially prescribed roles and expectations. Husbands worked while wives had the major responsibility for raising children and caring for the home. By filling these roles couples shared a sense of basic security and partnership and, if they were fortunate, love feelings as well. Because of their focus on basic needs and social roles the quality of a couple's intimacy, their degree of closeness emotionally and sexually, was not recognized or considered important. How they appeared and functioned as a social unit in the community was given highest priority. This concept has not totally changed or vanished from our society. It's still there but there also an emergence of a concept acalled ‘Companionship Marriage”.

 The working women scenario, education and exposure to the rest of the cultures are precursors to the emergence of this concept. In companionship marriage, “fixed” roles are de-emphasized. All responsibilities including economical responsibilities, household responsibilities as well as children’s responsibilities, are shared.

What counts most in companionship marriage is the quality of a couple's togetherness, the degree to which they can create a mutually satisfying emotional and sexual relationship. To meet this expectation couples devote much of their attention to how they interact. Great importance is placed on learning to communicate, fight fair, and negotiate conflicts.

Nothing is better than having your spouse as your “Best Friend”. Long after physical attraction has taken a backseat, the companionship would still remain and keep the relationship going.

 As the popular saying goes:

Don’t walk in front of me, for I may not be able to follow you .Don’t walk behind me, for I may not be able to lead you. Be beside me, Be my Friend!

 A beautiful companionship in marriage brings out the best in both, helps in personal and spiritual growth and experiences the true Joy of the journey called life.