Companionship in marriage is an essential emotional need of most couples, especially husbands. This desire, also called “intimacy”, is a universal need all humans share. It involves spending quality time with the people that are important to us. Couples can achieve companionship in various ways that help them bond in marriage.
Marriage is a unique social construct. Depending on habits, spouses can be each other’s source of significant pleasure or pain. So please, choose your habits wisely. Also, couples need to understand and satisfy each other’s vital emotional needs for their unions to flourish.
David Onu
What is companionship in marriage?
In his book Fear of Intimacy, Dr Robert Firestone discussed companionship well. “Intimacy is closeness with another person that involves sharing thoughts and feelings.” Companionship is the deep sense of knowledge and acceptance by others for who we are. You feel connected with another person, wanting to share your experiences.
Recreational companionship is a significant need for many men in marriage. When we are with someone we enjoy being around, it makes us happy and fulfilled. We can laugh and have fun together, which is very important in our lives. It’s not physical either- we also need emotional engagement.
It’s a great feeling when we’re with someone who meets both of those needs! We feel loved and appreciated, and the bond between us strengthens. Our relationship becomes more fulfilling and satisfying, and we are happier. Meeting this need is a fast track to becoming an irresistible wife.
Recreational companionship
Many people find that spending time with their spouse is a great way to relax and enjoy themselves. Going out for dinner, going to a movie, or taking a walk are all activities that can be enjoyable. It’s easy to let life get in our relationships, but we must make time for each other.
Partners should schedule quality time every week so you can ensure that your needs are being met.
Your marriage will grow closer or separate depending on your level of togetherness. It’s that simple! A husband may feel neglected if his wife isn’t showing her affection and comfort to him. Couples should talk about what makes their relationship most intimate. They should reflect on times they felt closest together.
Spending time together is healthier for a relationship than spending time apart. When a couple spends time together, it leads to better communication and understanding.
Become your spouse’s favourite recreational companion
When you get married, keeping your spouse’s recreational needs in mind is essential. If you can find activities you both enjoy and do together, you’ll be on your way to a happy marriage! Unfortunately, most couples who enter marriage without this make a mistake and go their separate ways.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Suppose you’re willing to change the activities you engage in to be enjoyable for both parties. In that case, you can become each other’s best recreational companions. It may take some effort initially, but the payoff will be worth it!
Different ways couples can achieve companionship in marriage.
Couples can meet their need for companionship in a variety of ways. It would help if you found activities that each of you enjoys and meets your emotional needs. Whatever it may be, connecting with your spouse can help strengthen your marriage.
The wise saying goes, “a couple that plays together stays together.”
Here are a few suggestions for joint activities to consider:
- Outdoor sporting activities are an excellent way to have companionship and get some exercise. Significant examples include playing tennis, golf or going for a jog.
- Watching movies together either in the theatre or indoors is another fun activity. But, again, it’s a great way to relax with your partner.
- Going out for dinner or date nights.
- Taking a walk together in the woods.
- Hiking
- Biking or riding together.
- Moon gazing under clear skies.
- Camping out together.
- Spending time at the park or beach
- Relaxing at home together can be a fun activity for couples. It’s a great way to spend time together without going out and doing something.
- Playing board games indoors, such as Scrabble or Chess.
- Listening to music or dancing together.
- Travelling is another great option for couples. Vacationing allows them to explore new places and learn about different cultures. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries.
Couples should find shared interests and activities.
One way to build companionship with your partner is to find shared interests and activities. Therefore, choosing activities you both enjoy and undertake together is important. Doing that will help strengthen your bond.
Couples should do their favourite recreational activities together even if these activities are different from each other’s preferences. Doing that can provide physical and mental stimulation for both partners and help build companionship over time.
What happens when companionship in marriage is unmet?
When a couple’s emotional needs go unmet, it can lead to negative consequences. For example, the lack of companionship often leaves people feeling lonely and isolated. Additionally, people who feel unfulfilled can experience a range of negative emotions. Such include sadness, anger, anxiety, or emptiness.
These feelings can be draining and increase tension or exhaustion within the relationship. Sometimes, unmet emotional needs may lead to extramarital affairs or a breakup. But, this does not have to be the case – partners must learn to recognize and meet each other’s needs.
Conclusion
The emotional need for companionship in marriage is crucial to bonding and love. Intimacy is not about spending time together. It’s also about sharing thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Finally, it’s about the ability to confide in each other.
In most cases, men value the need for recreational companionship more than women. Couples can achieve intimacy through several means, as suggested above. Partners that fail to meet their emotional needs risk breaking their marriage.
Which of the companionship activities do you commonly engage with your spouse?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Please leave your comments below, or let’s continue the discussion on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.
Sources
- His Needs Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage (Fleming H. Revell: 2001) by Dr Willard Harley Jr.
- The 5 love languages by Gary Chapman
- Fear of intimacy by Dr Robert Firestone and Joyce Catlett
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