The relationship between husband and wife should be one of
B. R. Ambedkar, the great reformer and guardian of justice, declared with deep conviction: “The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.” In this teaching he elevates marriage beyond the chains of duty or the shadow of mere tradition, placing it instead upon the foundation of friendship. For what is friendship but trust, respect, and equality? And what bond could be stronger for a union meant to endure through the storms and seasons of life?
The ancients taught that true relationship is not forged by command or subservience, but by mutual honor. The husband and wife are not master and servant, but companions upon the same path. To be friends is to walk side by side, to share burdens and joys alike, and to delight in one another’s presence without fear. Ambedkar’s wisdom shines here, for he knew that only when marriage is rooted in friendship can it blossom into love that endures beyond hardship.
This truth also strikes like thunder against injustice. For in many ages, marriage was a chain of inequality, where one dominated and the other endured. Ambedkar, seeing the weight of such cruelty, lifted his voice to proclaim that the bond of husband and wife must be transformed into one of dignity and equality. Only in this way could marriage serve as the bedrock of a just society, nurturing harmony instead of oppression.
The meaning is both tender and heroic. To be friends in marriage is not weakness, but strength; not softness, but resilience. Friendship is patient when passion wanes, steady when trials arise, joyful when life offers triumph. A friendship between husband and wife is the shield against discord, the lamp that guides through darkness, the anchor that holds fast in storms.
Let future generations take this counsel to heart: seek not only beauty or wealth in a companion, but seek a friend. For when the fires of youth dim and the burdens of years grow heavy, it is friendship that endures, binding two souls together with cords unbreakable. Thus Ambedkar’s teaching is not only for households, but for the nation and the world: where there is friendship, there is equality, and where there is equality, there is peace.
QNQuynh Nguyen
This idea of marriage being like a friendship is so simple yet profound. When you think about it, the strongest friendships are built on honesty, trust, and shared experiences—qualities that are also essential for a successful marriage. But what happens when the friendship aspect starts to fade in a marriage? Can a relationship recover if the friendship between a husband and wife weakens over time?
TDTrang Duong
I think this quote really challenges the traditional view of marriage. While many might think of it as a partnership or a commitment, Ambedkar suggests that it should be centered around friendship. How do you feel about the idea that friendships in marriages are just as important, if not more, than love or passion? Can you imagine a marriage where both partners are best friends above all else?
BTNguyen Bao Tram
Ambedkar’s quote makes me reflect on how often marriages are based on expectations or duties rather than mutual friendship. Can a relationship survive if the couple doesn’t share a deep friendship? In your experience, is it easier to maintain a romantic relationship when both people view each other as best friends, or does romance and friendship require separate elements to truly work?
RRi
This quote really resonates with me, as I believe that friendship in a marriage helps foster trust and intimacy. If a husband and wife are truly each other’s closest friends, they would have a stronger emotional bond to overcome challenges. How do you think couples can strengthen this friendship within a marriage, especially in times when things get tough or life gets busy?
KJ^^ Kim JoonHae
I find this quote intriguing because it suggests that the foundation of a strong marriage should be rooted in friendship. It makes me wonder if many marriages would be stronger if couples treated each other more like close friends—supporting, understanding, and communicating openly. Do you think it’s possible for a marriage to thrive without this deep level of friendship, or is it essential for long-term happiness?