Marriage can be a rocky road. Anytime you have two people falling in love and sharing a life together, there are bound to be disagreements. Sometimes it can be hard to express things you're feeling to your partner. Many people use song lyrics and quotes to get their points across or because they're not very good at explaining things in their own words. Quotations from famous poets, writers, and even actors and actresses, such as Audrey Hepburn, can also be used to support your point of view during a disagreement or to illustrate your point further. It's important to remember that quotations need to be taken in context as well, and sometimes paraphrasing for your own purposes means that your quote has nothing to do with what you're trying to convey.
How's Your Marriage?
We all want to be happy, and sometimes marriage is the best way to express your love for each other. Thankfully, modern society accepts so much more than traditional marriage as an expression of love. Love doesn't have to be confined, and marriage doesn't have to be confining. Let’s explore some quotes about love and what others think it means to have a good marriage.
Popular Marriage Quotes
Everyone has heard the big cliché marriage quotes, the ones that are always coming up on Pinterest printed on cushions and signs, or the ones that appear on chalkboards with people's engagement pictures to announce their upcoming foray into married life. Along with those come the simpler quotes on love and marriage, such as those by Dr. Seuss and Audrey Hepburn. The more romantic, Pinterest-worthy quotes include:
"My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my love to marry me."
- Sir Winston Churchill
Explanation: We all feel that we don't deserve our partners on occasion. Sometimes, we do things we're not proud of or we act a certain way that makes us feel like less of a person. Self-love is important, but being loved by someone we trust is irreplaceable. The spouse is in the ideal position to do that, and there's a certain awe to be had that someone with so much power continues to choose us, even in the bad times. A strong marriage is one that involves true love, commitment, and a resolve to tell one another, “Marriage is hard; we’re going to work at this every day.”
"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
- Aristotle
Explanation: Many religions see marriage as the joining of two spirits together. Especially when couples are very much "in sync" with each other, it can sometimes seem like they're one person in two bodies. Whether a husband and wife, a husband and husband, or any other variation of marriage, what constitutes happy marriages is when they are filled with one special person who is willing to consider one other person their special someone for the rest of their lives.
Book And Movie Marriage Quotes
Movie culture and Hollywood often idealize marriage. In many cases, the relationships we see on the big screen affect our own. We want to be as happy as the people we see in movies or on television, so we may try to emulate their speech, actions, and approach in an effort to make our own relationships reflect theirs. Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, or Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling whomever the TV couple, many people rely on depictions of married life to determine how to create a happy marriage and how to be the perfect couple.
"Love is like the wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it."
- Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember
Explanation: We often get caught up in the physical reminders of love (e.g., flowers, chocolates, engagement rings, etc.) without taking a step back to remember that love is an intangible force, felt rather than seen. Especially in a world where social media has become so interwoven into our lives, sharing pictures of gifts has become a replacement for real, indescribable feelings. Many a lovely, friendly, and charming relationship is made up of long conversations, watching the heavens dance in a storm, a slight squeeze of the hand, and pledging to give your hearts to one another - none of which can truly be captured and shared via social media.
"Love is all around us."
- Love, Actually
Explanation: Perhaps not the most useful, but when you're in love, you do tend to see the love in everything else. It's often called looking at the world through "rose-tinted glasses" because you want everyone to feel as happy as you do. This is among the simplest quotes to celebrate marriage and demonstrates how a good marriage can change everything for the better.
"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
- The Princess Bride
Explanation: Many religions believe that marriage transcends death. If you have beliefs that love and marriage are really "forever," then you have to believe that this includes the idea that after the physical body has moved on, the spirit remains? A good marriage – a happy marriage – is one in which two people recognize that we blossom when we love others. Marriage is a long, difficult commitment, and a happy marriage is one in which true love is an important feature.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
- Jane Austen, Pride, and Prejudice
“You complete me.” – Jerry Maguire
Explanation: These quotes convey the idea that a person is incomplete without being married – like the merging of two souls. While this idea is supported by many religions, modern marriage may see things a little differently – more like two parts merging into a forged partnership. While it is important for each spouse to maintain their identity, it is still cute to think that you're both two halves of a same whole though, as the spaces in your togetherness can make your shared, married life feel fulfilled, new, and exciting in a way that being single does not.
"Oh, of course, there's a risk in marrying anybody, but, when it's all said and done, there's many a worse thing than a husband."
- L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Explanation: Not all marriages are good. Sometimes they don't work, but many people just give up as soon as there's a problem without wanting to get through the bad times. This is a reminder that sometimes a not-so-perfect marriage isn't the worst thing you could have. A happy marriage, after all, is not a marriage bereft of flaws, but is instead a moving sea on which the two of you cling to one another. No marriage is going to be easy, and every husband and wife is going to have to work hard to keep the marriage alive.
Quotes From Modern Marriage
Today's ideals of marriage are more flexible than most of the religious and traditional interpretations. While some people still believe in the religious definition, we no longer see marriage as a submissive institution for women. Women are no longer expected to be subordinate and instead are equal partners with their own thoughts and rights. Modern marriage has become about sharing and the uniqueness of the two people in it. Marriage sayings in modern society often focus on the wonderful differences between two people, and how those differences work to create a vibrant marriage, rather than focusing on tired stereotypes about husband and wife roles.
"Do you know how you tell real love? It's when someone else's interest trumps your own."
- Brad Pitt
Explanation: Sometimes we need to care about the other person more than ourselves to show them how valuable they are. When you're in love, there are a lot of sacrifices involved, and you tend to value the other person above yourself in every way possible. The person you love goes from a separate entity to a part of you, as so many marriage sayings can attest.
"Marriage is getting to have a sleepover with your best friend every night of the week."
- Christie Cook
Explanation: Traditional marriages often seem regimented and stuffy. The younger generation, geared more towards a relaxed attitude, sees marriage as fun instead. What's more fun than sharing your life with your best friend? Although many quotes about marriage focus on service between a husband and wife, increasingly often, quotes about marriage acknowledge finding a way to make it fresh, fun, and exciting.
"Marriages are like fingerprints; each one is different, and each one is beautiful."
-Maggie Reyes
Explanation: All marriages are unique because the participants are all unique themselves. This means that every marriage is special and should be cherished. Rather than comparing to other marriages and feeling dissatisfied, compare only within the marriage because there will never be another like it. Quotes about marriage are best applied when they acknowledge the differences between two spouses, and how a truly strong marriage – a marriage like an oak tree – does not rely upon comparison, but on how incredible the marriage is itself.
"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." - Dave Meurer
Explanation: All marriages are unique because the participants are all unique themselves. This means that every marriage is special and should be cherished. Rather than comparing to other marriages and feeling dissatisfied, compare only within the marriage because there will never be another like it.
The best marriage quotes are those that allow spouses to feel as though their relationship is beautiful in its own right. Understanding that it’s not going be perfect and will require work, and then choosing it anyways, is what makes two seemingly different people coming together a beautiful thing.
"Union of flesh does nothing. There must also be a union of the manners and mind.”
– Martin Luther
Explanation: Marriage is about so much more than just physical attraction. A good marriage, Martin Luther says, is a marriage in which two partners make it a priority to unify themselves in every respect, rather than relying solely on physical pleasure or a physical relationship. If two people do not have similar values, beliefs, and interests, a good marriage is unlikely to be the end result.
Marriage Quotes Expressing Love
Everyone struggles to find the right words sometimes. We know what we want to say, but we just can't quite get it out. Using a quote like this to express your love (or as a great comeback when you want to tell them that you still love them, but they are behaving in a way that is frustrating or unwise) is an easy way of wording how you feel without having to think about it.
"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
- Wuthering Heights
Explanation: The term "soul mates" is pretty common when talking about marriage. It goes back to the old idea about two bodies and one soul, where the souls are fated to be together. It's a nice idealistic view, though there's not much science behind it. Funny marriage quotes often rely on this trope to add a humorous effect to the notion that everyone has one right person for them.
"I'm done. I don't need anything more out of life. I have you, and that's enough."
- Alessandra Torre
Explanation: Many people still ascribe to the idea that marriage completes you. By being married, this person feels they have reached the pinnacle of life and didn't need anything else. This is firmly among the funny marriage quotes, however, as most people do not believe that their life is complete simply because they have found a partner. Although a wedding day is certainly a happy day, it is not usually the only day in a person’s life worth revisiting.
"A sure sign of a man's strength is how gently he loves his wife."
- Anonymous
Explanation: Sometimes men get criticized for being overly sensitive or showing too much emotion within a marriage. However, often women need this from their husbands to feel secure and to feel like they're loved. This is the perfect comeback for anyone who tries to tell you that your marriage is weak because you, or your partner, are too emotional. This is also a great quote to include in an anniversary card, or other personal memento.
Marriage Quotes For Getting Through Tough Times
Every relationship has its rough days. When things get bad, it's tempting to throw in the towel and simply give up. There are a lot of reasons why a marriage might fail, and some of these can be useful when trying to figure things out. If you're struggling with your marriage, it may be a good idea to go to counseling. A counselor, like those at BetterHelp, can act as a moderator and allow you to discuss your issues within a safe environment without judgment.
"The opposite of love is not hatred; it's indifference."
- Elie Wiesel
Explanation: One of the most common reasons people break up is that they feel ignored by their partner. Complacency kills relationships, and ambivalence is a form of neglect when it comes to love. When a partner feels unseen, invisible, or unimportant, it can be detrimental to the relationship. Without being nurtured and given attention, love will wither and die. Pay attention to your partner. Spring for that anniversary card or gift, sing and dance whenever you can, and make an effort to show them that you care.
"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."
- Friedrich Nietzsche
Explanation: Many people marry because they desire their partner. We love them for many reasons, but that doesn't make us happy. We choose to keep friends in our lives because we enjoy them, so by enjoying your partner as a friend, as well as a lover, you are more likely to have a successful marriage.
"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."
- Ruth Bell Graham
Explanation: Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone does things wrong. It's simply human nature. Over time, those instances can build up and wear on a relationship. Being able to truly forgive someone for things that are in the past makes it much easier to continue building forward. If left unchecked, eventually the weight of those past transgressions will crush a relationship.
"People stay married because they want to, not because the doors are locked."
- Paul Newman
Explanation: Sometimes, you want to keep your partner no matter what. Especially when a marriage is breaking down, out of desperation, people try all sorts of tactics to try and trap their partner into staying. Just because your partner seems trapped, they're not necessarily happy. Someone who is happy won't leave and doesn't need to be forced to stay.
"Placing blame in marriage is like saying "your side of the boat is sinking."
- Hank Smith
Explanation: We are all guilty of blaming our partner within a relationship even if realistically what we're blaming them for isn't necessarily their fault - we simply don't want it to be our fault. Marriage as a partnership means you should both want the best for the other and for the other person to succeed. It's not a competition and one-upping each other means you're putting the other person (who you're tied to) down. It's not logical, but it's surprising how few follow this advice, especially when disagreeing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What marriage is about quotes?
Although most people who are married can offer plenty of insight into what marriage is about, there is something to be said for quotes detailing what marriage is about, as these quotes offer a window into the meaning of marriage across different times, cultures, and lifestyles. One of the simplest and loveliest quotes about marriage comes from Elbert Hubbard, who said, “The essence of marriage is companionship, and the woman you face across the coffee urn every morning for ninety-nine years must be both able to appreciate your jokes and to sympathize with your aspirations.”
Ronald Regan also offered a beautiful view of what marriage is about when he said, “There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps.”
In perhaps one of the greatest love quotes, Kahlil Gibran wrote:
“You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
“You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”
When should I get married quotes?
Many people, from Audrey Hepburn, to your favorite grandmother, have touched on the “when” of getting married. The when is often less of a strict timeline, and more of an insight into your own needs. One unknown person said it this way: “You don’t marry the person you live with – you marry the person you can’t live without.” In this sense, you should get married when you find someone who makes you want to take that step. The film “When Harry Met Sally” suggested marriage should come along at a similar time: “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Perhaps the simplest explanation belongs to Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn is quoted as saying, “If I get married, I want to be very married.” According to Audrey Hepburn, you should get married when you are ready to be married.
What is the beauty of marriage?
The beauty of marriage lies in its devotion to companionship; marriage is designed to function as a partnership between two people, essentially functioning as a home for one another. Marriage is intended to be the relationship that two people continually go back to, and the relationship that people can rely upon and fall back on when life gets difficult. Although marriage rates are not as consistent as they once were, both in terms of marriage stability and in terms of the propensity to marry overall, research consistently identifies marriage as an important determiner in happiness and health.
What are some deep quotes?
Deep quotes are wonderful things to read, as they have the potential to open your mind to perceptions or thought processes you may not have previously considered. Voltaire embodied this idea beautifully when he said, “The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.” Half the battle in growing, learning, and improving is in understanding that there is (and always will be) so much that you do not know. Eli Wiesel, an author and holocaust survivor, imparted wisdom from a different perspective – but no less profound. He said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” Although many people see two ends of a spectrum as opposites, Wiesel posited that the traditional understanding of spectrums was flawed, and instead identified indifference as the greatest threat to life, happiness, and beauty.
Maya Angelou was a poet whose words inspired countless people, and whose spirit inspired those same people to thrive and find hope. Angelou touched on the power of words when she said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.” Euripides made good his status as a contemporary to Sophocles when he said, “Cleverness is not wisdom.
What is a good marriage?
A good marriage is one in which both partners share equal responsibility in keeping the relationship alive and thriving. Although there are certainly other good qualities found in marriage – companionship, laughter, kindness, and trust – all of them can quickly and easily slip away if both partners are not actively working to maintain their relationship and keep their bond alive and well. Because no marriage is without its issues, and no two people are without their individual issues, marriages can easily break down and fall apart when they are neglected or left on their own. Working on a relationship usually means maintaining vulnerability and intimacy, sharing honesty and trust, and creating opportunities to bond and grow closer. Good marriages foster these qualities, and immediately address any potentially dangerous issues that may arise.
What God said about marriage?
A Judeo-Christian view of God’s attitude toward marriage is largely positive; God reiterates in the Old and New Testaments that marriage is ordained of God, and unites two people into one flesh. This is exemplified in the New Testament, where Jesus states “What God joined together, let no one separate.” Marriage is usually encouraged by God, though there are passages from Paul in the New Testament that encourage singleness, unless remaining single would lead to indiscretions. According to the Judeo-Christian tradition, God is an enthusiastic proponent of marriage, viewing it as a joining of two people, and likening it to the unbreakable relationship between God and God’s people.
What is the purpose of marriage?
The purpose of marriage relies upon the culture and background of the people going into it. In some cultures, marriage is largely utilitarian, and serves as little more than an agreement between two families to maintain a working relationship. In others, marriage is entered into only on the heels of love, and a lasting connection. In still others, marriage is seen as somewhat outdated, and is often not entered into at all. In these respects, the purpose of marriage is quite diverse. Nevertheless, in each of these instances, the purpose in having a romantic partner is the same: to have a companion, source of support, and person to spend your life with. In that respect, marriage is likely to fulfill the same function across cultures: even in a utilitarian marriage, companionship, support, and sharing are the norm.
How do you wish someone a happy marriage?
To wish a couple a long and happy marriage, the best thing to do is speak from the heart. If the couple is comprised of two close friends, identify the thing about the couple you believe to be the most inspiring, or the most likely to guarantee a strong union. If you are not close, a simple, generic well wish can serve you well. Wishing marriage well simply requires letting a couple know that you want the best for them and are excited for their upcoming life together. You may even want to share one of the quotes mentioned here, or search for one that you think will resonate with the new couple.
Can we get married quotes?
Charles Dickens provided a delightful, simple marriage request when he wrote, “Come, let's be a comfortable couple and take care of each other! How glad we shall be, that we have somebody we are fond of always, to talk to and sit with.” What better way is there to ask someone to be yours, than to offer a comfortable life? Louis de Bernieres viewed getting married this way: “Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have a to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is.” For so many, marriage is far less of a calculated decision, and far more a jump into the unknown.
What are favorite quotes?
Favorite quotes vary from person to person. Some people who value humor see the best quote as those with a bit of an entertaining quality embedded within the wisdom, such as the Audrey Hepburn quote, “I was asked to act when I couldn't act. I was asked to sing 'Funny Face' when I couldn't sing, and dance with Fred Astaire when I couldn't dance - and do all kinds of things I wasn't prepared for. Then I tried like mad to cope with it.” Or the “marry me” Winston Churchill quote: “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”
Favorite quotes might also be those that inspire a bit of thought or impart some insight, such as the “good forgivers” Ruth Bell Graham quote. The good forgivers Ruth Bell Graham quote goes like this: “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Favorite quotes typically inspire and entertain.
Find Humor in Everything
It is so important to maintain a sense of humor within a marriage. Take it from Henry Ward Beecher, who said, “A marriage without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs – jolted by every pebble in the road.” Or Jay Leno, who said, “You can’t stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh.”
“Marriage is like a game of chess except the board is flowing water, the pieces are made of smoke and no move you make will have any effect on the outcome.”
This quote from a well-known comedian suggests that marriage is simply a big guessing game. However, if we’re lucky and committed, we all learn a little about what works and what doesn’t over time. If you feel like you are playing Seinfeld’s version of chess and find yourself throwing your hands in the air, not knowing what is working and what isn’t within your marriage, consider reaching out to a BetterHelp counselor. Unlike the above quote, they are trained to know which strategies will improve your union, as well as which to avoid. For example, one study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that 94% of couples were satisfied with their experiences of an online relationship therapy program, with a majority of couples making significant progress.
Online marriage counseling is convenient and generally less expensive than traditional face-to-face sessions. If you are interested in strengthening your bond or improving your marriage, one of our licensed therapists will be an invaluable resource. Here is a window of insight to what other have said regarding their experiences with a BetterHelp counselor.