Marriage: A friendship recognized by the police

Marriage: A friendship recognized by the police

Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned Scottish novelist, once famously said, “Marriage: A friendship recognized by the police.” This witty and somewhat cynical remark sheds light on the complexities and challenges of marriage, as well as the societal expectations and legal implications that come with it.

Stevenson, known for his adventurous spirit and romantic writings, had a tumultuous personal life marked by health issues and frequent travels. His own marriage to Fanny Vandegrift Osbourne was not without its difficulties, as they faced financial struggles, health problems, and the pressures of raising a blended family. It is perhaps from this personal experience that Stevenson developed his somewhat sardonic view of marriage as a partnership that is not always smooth sailing.

The phrase “a friendship recognized by the police” can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it can be seen as a humorous take on the idea that marriage is a formalized relationship that is sanctioned and regulated by society and the law. The police, as representatives of authority and order, symbolize the external validation and recognition of a couple’s commitment to each other. In this sense, marriage is not just a private bond between two individuals, but a public declaration of their union that carries legal and social consequences.

On the other hand, the reference to the police can also be seen as a nod to the conflicts and tensions that can arise within a marriage. Just as the police are called in to mediate disputes and maintain peace in society, couples may find themselves in need of outside intervention to resolve their differences and maintain harmony in their relationship. Marriage, like any close partnership, requires effort, compromise, and sometimes outside help to navigate the challenges that inevitably arise.

Overall, Stevenson’s quip about marriage as “a friendship recognized by the police” captures the dual nature of this institution – a source of love, companionship, and support, but also a complex and sometimes fraught relationship that requires understanding, patience, and a sense of humor to endure.