Friendship Marriages: Know All About This Rising New Relationship Trend
If this isn’t a recession indicator, we don’t know what is.
A new, but peculiar trend is emerging in China and Japan. It seems like the days of marrying for love are long gone, and people are entering into ‘friendship marriages.’ A union not formed based on love or sexual intimacy, but rather companionship and a purely platonic relationship. Here is all you need to know about these friendship marriages.
Legally recognised as spouses, these couples often live together but do not share the same bedroom. They are free to date others if they wish, and if they want to have kids, they can opt for adoption and artificial insemination. Before officially signing the marriage contract, the couple discusses all the logistical factors like living expenses, meal preferences, and expense sharing. Though a relatively new phenomenon in China, this practice has been prevalent for a while in Japan. Agencies exist that facilitate this trend, matching individuals with similar shared goals, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those disillusioned by traditional marriage. In China, the nature of friendship marriages is comparatively more discreet.
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The main reasons for people getting into friendship marriages are evading societal pressure and easing finances. Societies like Japan and China are infamous for their rigorous work culture that often borders on toxic. People do not have the time to take up hobbies or even go on dates to find their true loves, and loneliness is also a growing epidemic, which often leads one to mental health issues like depression.
Meilan, a woman from Chongqing, married her best friend four years ago. They opted for a legal marriage rather than a traditional one. Both parties in the marriage are financially independent and split expenses like rent and utilities. According to a study, those drawn to friendship marriage are typically 32.5 years old, financially stable, and highly educated. Experts however warn that while these marriages help individuals maintain independence, they may not provide a long-term solution to societal pressures, especially as housing and single benefits improve.
First Published: April 29, 2025 1:53 PM
