“By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.” – Socrates

From time immemorial people have admitted to the desirability of marriage and the risk it involves.

Marriage is a great risk, especially arranged ones where the partners don’t know each other very well. However, times are changing. People are becoming more cautious in their approach to matrimony. They want to get to know their future spouse well before they enter into a lifelong commitment.

Hence, on that note, we came up with a list of qualities that a Bengali bride or groom should possess. If you are looking for a prospective partner, spend time with them and check if they have some of these virtues.

It is not possible to find a perfect someone, but you can come close.

10 Qualities to Look for in a Potential Bengali Bride or Groom

“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” – Dave Meurer

Keeping that quote in mind, here is a list of qualities that act as the foundation for a perfect marriage.

Loyalty

“Leave me if you must, but be faithful to me if you are with me.” –Elizabeth Edwards

While you can’t buy loyalty, you should expect it from your future spouse. Loyalty and commitment are the bedrock of marriage. Loyalty is essential because it prevents heartache and cheating in the long run. You need to live knowing that your life partner won’t stick a knife in your back.

Truthfulness

“The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.” —Laozi

Veritas. We need the veritas and nothing but the veritas from our spouses. We want their heartfelt opinions, their sincere complaints, their genuine scolding, their not-so-funny jokes, everything authentic and beautiful.

Confidence

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”- Eleanor Roosevelt

If the Bengali groom you seek lacks confidence, it may become your lifelong job to prop him up with it. Can you bear that weight? Choose a partner who is comfortable in his/her skin and has a positive outlook on life. Avoid immaturity and underconfidence.

Humour

“Being a good husband is like being a stand-up comic. You need 10 years before you can call yourself a beginner.” — Jerry Seinfeld

Both of you should be able to make each other laugh. A sense of humour is important to dispel the blues of the world today. A partner who isn’t negative and humorous enjoys life more and is fun to be with.

Respect

“Every good relationship, especially marriage, is based on respect. if it’s not based on respect, nothing that appears to be good will last very long.”- Amy Grant

No name-calling, no abusive language, no taunts, no sarcasm, no eye rolls. Give and expect respect in return. Make it clear from the outset.

Forgiveness

“Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” — Desmond Tutu

In every marriage, forgiveness is key. You have to forgive and forget every hurt, insult, complaint. Bengali brides especially don’t believe you are perfect. You need to be forgiven as well!

Humility

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” ― CS Lewis.

Hand in hand with forgiveness comes humility.

Be humble. Be kind.

Loves Children

“Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories.”― John Wilmot

Marriage means raising a family. So choose a spouse who loves children.

Duty

“There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well, please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.” – P. J. O’Rourke

Choose a dutiful spouse, someone who believes that the world doesn’t revolve around him or her but around others.

Generous

“The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward.” ― Carol Ryrie Brink

A generous person will give with all their heart and never hold anything back from you. Hence, they make for better partners than selfish people.

Conclusion

When choosing your Bengali groom or bride, look for these 10 essential qualities. You may not find it in one person but you can definitely inculcate it into them over time. Moreover, you may have to ingrain these virtues in yourself as well.

After all, marriage is a school!