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When people think of factors that make a marriage work, they probably imagine love, bonding, sexual intimacy, strong communication, and shared values. While these things are certainly important, another factor to consider is companionship in marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n For some people, companionship is just one feature of their marriage. Others have a companionate marriage, in which their partnership is centered around the companionship they offer each other.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about companionship in a relationship, including what it means and its pros and cons, below. You’ll also find the answer to, “Why is companionship important in a relationship?” <\/span><\/p>\n It’s helpful to understand the companionship meaning before digging into its importance in marriage. Companionship in marriage, and more importantly recreational companionship, occurs when a married couple enjoys spending time together and engaging in shared recreational activities.<\/span><\/p>\n So, what does recreation mean? This can include going to movies together, taking walks, camping out, going to the beach, or playing games together. The specific activity is less important than the fact that recreational companionship requires you to spend time together doing activities you enjoy. <\/span><\/p>\n Achieving a state of recreational companionship is important in marriages. It allows you to have fun together, strengthen your bond, and share an intimate connection as you try new activities. <\/span><\/p>\n Without a sense of companionship in marriage, one or both partners may feel that their emotional needs are neglected. Lacking companionship can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which does not make for a great marriage. <\/span><\/p>\n For more insights into companionship in marriage, consider the examples below:<\/span><\/p>\n The activities noted above are just examples, and companionship in marriage can be anything you make it, as long as it’s enjoyable for you and your spouse. <\/span><\/p>\n While the concept of companionship in marriage can be applied to any union, sometimes, the <\/span>entire marriage centers<\/span><\/a> on companionate love. <\/span><\/p>\n In this type of marriage, a couple stays together because they have established a strong degree of intimacy, meaning they are close to each other and like one another. They have a high level of commitment, meaning they choose to stay together over the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n A companionate marriage differs from a <\/span>traditional marriage<\/span><\/a> in the sense that companionate marriage does not contain the third component of love, which is passion. Passionate love is associated with romance, physical attraction, and sexual drive.<\/span><\/p>\n People may refer to marriage that offers companionship and passion as a “traditional marriage.” In contrast, companionate marriage centers on a couple’s intimacy and enjoyment in sharing activities. <\/span><\/p>\n A companionate marriage does not require a high degree of passion and may represent the pattern many couples fall into after years together when the honeymoon phase <\/span>has passed<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n Another way to look at companionate marriage vs. traditional marriage is that it is defined by sharing mutual interests and activities and being married to enjoy recreation. This opposes traditional marriages in which child-rearing and shared finances are the foundation of marriage. <\/span><\/p>\n In a companionate marriage, spouses are seen more as equals and have shared interests. In traditional, old-fashioned marriage, the husband is often the breadwinner, while the wife stays home to raise children and keep the house. This is a marriage based on practicality rather than companionship or romance. <\/span><\/p>\n When people consider a lifelong partner, they may find that someone interested in companionate marriage is a good fit. A companionship marriage comes with both pros and cons, which are discussed in more detail below.<\/span><\/p>\n The top 5 benefits of companionate marriage include:<\/span><\/p>\n Companionate marriages are characterized by a high level of intimacy. This means that spouses are highly bonded and have a strong sense of liking for one another.<\/span><\/p>\n Couples who have companionate love enjoy engaging in activities together. This can include going on trips, participating in shared hobbies, and simply enjoying evening walks and movies. <\/span><\/p>\n People in a companionate marriage are in it for the long haul. When you establish a healthy level of companionate love, you can be sure you have a lifelong partner. <\/span><\/p>\n A companionship relationship is also full of fun. You’ll enjoy taking trips and participating in activities together, so life will always be exciting.<\/span><\/p>\n You can think of recreational companionship in marriage as the equivalent of being married to your best friend. The strong foundation of friendship can help you get through the tough times that life throws you. <\/span><\/p>\n While many enjoy the benefits of companionate love, this type of marriage isn’t right for everyone. Five potential cons include:<\/span><\/p>\n Sharing recreational companionship can be fun and fulfilling, but some couples may not have the time to make their marriage center around shared activities. With jobs, parenting duties, and <\/span>financial responsibilities<\/span><\/a>, it can be difficult to prioritize recreational activities. <\/span><\/p>\n Commitment and intimacy take center stage in a truly companionate marriage, but passion either needs to be improved or has faded over time. If you’re looking for a marriage that includes plenty of romance, only having companionship in marriage may not be the best fit. <\/span><\/p>\n The joy of recreational companionship is that it allows you to participate in activities you and your spouse enjoy. If you have few shared interests and hobbies, centering your marriage on shared activities can frustrate one or both of you. <\/span><\/p>\n If your marriage is just based on companionship, you may feel something is missing because of the lack of passion. It may seem as if there isn’t enough chemistry or sexual intimacy between you and your spouse, or you may lack physical attraction to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n Watch this video to learn which long-term relationships will survive and which won’t:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>What is recreational companionship in marriage?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> How Is Companionate Marriage Different From the Traditional One?<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
Recreational companionship examples<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/span>Traditional vs. companionate marriage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>5 pros and cons of companionate marriage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Pros of companionate marriage<\/b><\/h3>\n
1. A high degree of intimacy<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> How to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage?<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
2. Shared activities<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Commitment<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> How Can a Lack of Commitment in Marriage Lead to a Divorce?<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
4. Plain old fun<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n5. Being married to your best friend<\/b><\/h3>\n
Cons of companionate marriage<\/b><\/h3>\n
1. It may not be realistic<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. The passion is lacking<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Intimacy Tips to Ignite the Passion in Your Marriage<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
3. You may not always agree on activities<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Ten Romantic Activities to Inspire Couples<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
4. You may feel that something is missing<\/b><\/h3>\n