Meaning:
The quote "Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day." by Barbara Angelis encapsulates a profound perspective on the essence and nature of marriage. At its core, the quote emphasizes the active, dynamic, and ongoing nature of marriage, challenging the traditional perception of marriage as a static entity and highlighting the importance of continuous effort, action, and love in nurturing a marital relationship.
In contemporary society, the concept of marriage is often perceived as a static institution, characterized by legal and social norms and expectations. However, Barbara Angelis's quote challenges this conventional understanding by presenting marriage as a verb, an action-oriented process rather than a passive state of being. By framing marriage as a verb, Angelis suggests that it is not merely a label or a status acquired through a ceremony or legal documentation, but rather an ongoing practice and commitment that requires active engagement and effort from both partners.
Furthermore, the quote emphasizes that marriage is not something to be acquired or possessed, but rather something to be continually enacted and lived. This notion challenges the prevalent cultural narrative that portrays marriage as a milestone to be achieved or a goal to be pursued. Instead, it reframes marriage as a daily practice, a series of intentional actions and expressions of love, respect, and commitment towards one's partner.
The emphasis on "the way you love your partner every day" underscores the significance of consistent, conscious, and deliberate acts of love and care in the context of marriage. It highlights the importance of nurturing the emotional and relational aspects of marriage through daily gestures, communication, and support. This perspective aligns with the notion that successful marriages are not solely defined by grand romantic gestures or momentous events, but rather by the accumulation of everyday expressions of love, kindness, and understanding.
Barbara Angelis's quote also challenges the notion of marriage as a passive state of contentment or complacency. By portraying marriage as a verb, she underscores the active nature of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling marital relationship. This framing encourages individuals to approach marriage with a sense of agency and responsibility, recognizing that it requires ongoing effort, adaptability, and investment in order to thrive.
In conclusion, Barbara Angelis's quote offers a thought-provoking redefinition of marriage, emphasizing its active and dynamic nature. By presenting marriage as a verb rather than a noun, she invites individuals to perceive marriage as an ongoing practice, a continuous expression of love and commitment that unfolds through daily actions and choices. This perspective challenges prevailing cultural narratives and encourages a deeper understanding of the active role individuals play in nurturing and sustaining their marital relationships.