By: Natasha Archary
In Japan, an interesting trend called “Friendship Marriages” has gripped youth who have ditched the traditional concept of marriage and are marrying their platonic friends.
Swapping a marriage without love and sex for one of companionship, financial stability and other tax benefits, the Japanese trend is quickly gaining popularity with over 500 couples opting for a friendship marriage.
For many happy couples around the world, marriage is considered the start of their lives. The start of a family, a new beginning and it is a commitment that lasts a lifetime.
Most people view marriage as a sacred, spiritual and emotional bond, one that is solidified with a physical union.
However, the young generation are redefining the concept of marriage to meet their needs, and benefits, willingly signing up to a friendship marriage so they don’t have to spend a lifetime alone or living in poor conditions.
Would you marry your friend just for benefits?
Some of the benefits of marrying a friend were highlighted by one couple who spoke to the Hindustan Times explaining the concept of a friendship marriage.
Married for 3-years, the friends who married for benefits say legally they are spouses, but they do not share a bed, are not intimate and do not love each other.
“Friendship marriage is like finding a roommate with similar interests.
I’m not suited to be someone’s girlfriend, but I can be a good friend. I only wanted someone with similar tastes to do things we both enjoy, to chat and laugh with.”
Benefits of a friendship marriage include:
- More income – In the form of their spouse and children. Married people have a powerful motivation in their lives. As a result, they are able to obtain a higher income after some time.
- Longer life – Statistics show that married women and men live healthier and longer lives than unmarried women and men
- Taking better care of oneself – Having a lover and a family encourages you to look after yourself, avoid risks, and live a longer, healthier life.
- Decreased risk of STDs – Because they have a regular and steady sex life, married women and men have a lower risk of STDs. Because they have sex with a partner they trust and love, married couples are more satisfied.
- Everlasting companionship – The sanctity of marriage provides people with lifelong friendship, which is hard to get by these days.
- Better health – Good sex contributes to a full sense of enjoyment and fulfilment, both of which are beneficial to one’s health. According to studies, married couples have better physical and mental health than unmarried couples.
- It’s easier to raise children – Single parents produce a less happy and safer environment for their children than married parents.
- Better quality of life – Married couples can afford to live in a finer, more reputable neighbourhood.
Listen to the conversation on Drive 959:
Also read: “After our divorce, my ex-husband married my best friend” The Blind Spot
