Boston marriages: What it is and why more people choose it
Why Boston marriages are becoming popular and what attracts people to them (photo: Freepik)
In today’s world, people are increasingly rethinking traditional relationship models. Alongside classic marriage or living alone, new forms of cohabitation are emerging. One of them is the so-called Boston marriage.
RBC-Ukraine explains what a Boston marriage is, why it is becoming popular, and what advantages it offers.
The term may sound unusual, but it actually has a long history. Today, it is once again attracting the attention of psychologists and sociologists because it reflects the needs of people who seek closeness and support without romantic obligations or emotional strain.
What is a Boston marriage?
A Boston marriage is a form of cohabitation in which two people live together as partners, but their relationship is not necessarily romantic or sexual.
Most often, this refers to:
- Close friends;
- People with shared values;
- Partners who want emotional support without romance.
Such people run a household together, support one another, may raise children together, and share everyday responsibilities - essentially like a married couple, but without the traditional romantic component.
Where the term comes from
The term appeared in the late 19th century in the United States, particularly in Boston. At that time, many educated women lived with female friends rather than marry men. This allowed them to:
- Maintain financial independence;
- Build careers;
- Avoid the social restrictions of that era
In this arrangement, they supported each other emotionally and financially.
Why are Boston marriages becoming popular again?
Psychologists explain this trend through several social changes.
Desire for independence
Many people don’t want to pursue traditional romantic relationships, but they also don’t want to live alone.
Economic reasons
Living together helps to:
- Share expenses;
- Make housing more affordable;
- Maintain stability in daily life.
Emotional support
Friendship-based relationships can sometimes be just as strong as romantic ones.
People gain:
- Support;
- A sense of closeness;
- Stability.
Changing views on relationships
Modern society increasingly recognizes that happiness doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
Recently, Boston marriages have become increasingly popular in Europe. Most often, women (with or without children) enter into these arrangements.
On social media, more videos are appearing about the daily life of these partnerships, and women admit that, if you take romance, intimacy, and sexual relationships out of the equation, a Boston marriage can be the best thing that happens to someone.
These relationships offer support, understanding, help, and many other benefits that can be hard to find in a marriage with a man.
Advantages of a Boston marriage
Psychologists highlight several reasons why this arrangement can be comfortable:
- Fewer conflicts: The absence of romantic expectations often reduces tension.
- More personal space: Partners maintain their independence.
- Strong friendship support: These relationships are often built on trust and mutual respect.
- Practicality: Living together allows sharing household duties and expenses.
Can this model replace traditional marriage?
Psychologists believe a Boston marriage isn’t a replacement for a traditional family but an alternative form of cohabitation. For some people, romantic relationships and family remain the most important.
For others, friendship, freedom, and partnership without romantic expectations take priority. That’s why these arrangements are gradually becoming part of modern relationship culture.
A Boston marriage shows that people are increasingly seeking their own form of closeness. Sometimes it’s romance, sometimes partnership, and sometimes just a deep friendship that forms the foundation of shared life.
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