Companionate marriages are a type of marriage where spouses have an intimate and loving relationship without necessarily having a physical or sexual relationship. The IPA transcription of this word is /kəmˈpæniənət ˈmærɪdʒɪz/, with stress on the second syllable of "companionate" and the first syllable of "marriages." The spelling is derived from the noun "companion," meaning a close friend or partner, and the suffix "-ate," indicating a state or quality. This term gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, as a way to describe more relaxed and flexible romantic relationships in contrast to more traditional, restrictive models of marriage.
Companionate marriages refer to a type of marital relationship characterized by friendship, mutual respect, and companionship rather than being solely based on romantic or passionate love. In a companionate marriage, partners prioritize the emotional connection and support they provide to one another. This type of partnership emphasizes shared interests, communication, and equality, rather than dependency or traditional gender roles.
In a companionate marriage, couples often have an egalitarian approach to decision-making and household responsibilities, promoting a sense of fairness and balance within the relationship. They act as companions and friends, providing emotional support and sharing experiences, goals, and activities. Instead of relying on intense passion or infatuation, companionate marriages evolve and deepen over time, focusing on building a strong foundation of trust and familiarity.
Companionate marriages are often associated with long-term partnerships, where the initial spark of romantic love may have reduced but has been replaced by a deeper emotional bond. While physical intimacy and attraction may still exist, the primary emphasis is on the emotional connection and the sharing of a life journey together. Mutual respect, comfort, and understanding are at the core of the companionate marriage, allowing the couple to navigate challenges and form a lasting bond.
In summary, companionate marriages prioritize friendship, emotional support, and shared experiences over intense passion or romantic love. They promote equality, communication, and a deep emotional connection between partners, enhancing the longevity and strength of the marital relationship.
The etymology of the word "companionate marriages" can be traced back to the word "companion".
The term "companion" originated from the Old French word "compaignon", which came from the Late Latin word "companio", meaning "one who eats bread with another". This indicates the idea of sharing and being with someone. Over time, "companion" evolved to refer to someone who accompanies and supports another person in various endeavors.
The term "marriage" comes from the Old English word "mǣġencrǣft", which means "the state or relationship of being wedded". It can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "ga-mahǭ", meaning "to unite or marry".