I answered:
For many responders, they identified their spouse as their best friend. But, I think marriage is more.
It's how you can take someone into your tribe, as kin - along with all of their family. You create a connection to people with strange traditions (Thanksgiving, Christmas, weddings), different genetics, and different culture. Over time, you come to blend many aspects of your life into a new tradition, that retains some part of the old ones. People who miss that part of life have missed an important of what makes civilizations.
Can you divorce your family? Yes, but it will remain an aching void in your heart.
Linda, your response is fantastic. I love it! Kudos!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIn an episode of the most enjoyable TV show, "Last Man Standing," Tim Allen's character (Mike Baxter) got into a bit of a tiff with his wife because he made an off-the-cuff remark that he didn't consider her to be his "best friend."
ReplyDeleteTowards the end of the show, Mike does something for his wife that is selfless and completely at odds with his normal choices; and she comments along the lines of "Why would you do this? Would you do this for your best friend?"
To which Mike replied, "No, but I'd do it for my wife."
Tough to say it better than that.