In short: the Buddha taught that good relationships rest on mutual duties and shared values: couples who match in faith, ethics, generosity and wisdom stay together (AN 4.55), each relationship has its own responsibilities (DN 31), and a true friend is one who acts, not just talks (Snp 2.3).
The Buddha gave many teachings for people living in families and friendships. Here they are in one place, with the original texts.
Start here
- Together in This Life and the Next: The Buddha on Marriage (AN 4.55)
What the Buddha told a devoted old couple who wanted to be together in this life and the next (AN 4.55): be equal in faith, ethics, generosi… - Sigālovāda Sutta in Pāli and English: The Buddha's Advice for Lay Life
The complete Sigālovāda Sutta (DN 31), the Buddha's advice for lay life, line by line in Pāli and English: the six directions, true friends,… - What Makes a True Friend (Snp 2.3)
The Buddha's verses on true friendship (Snp 2.3): a true friend is one 'on whom you rest, like a child on the breast', who acts, not just ta…
In the Buddha's words
- Like Milk and Water: The Buddha on Living in Harmony (MN 128)
The Buddha asked three monks how they lived together: 'blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes'. Their secre… - Grateful People Are Rare: The Buddha on Gratitude (AN 2.119)
'These two individuals are rare in the world: one who takes the initiative, and one who is grateful and thankful' (AN 2.119). The Buddha on … - The Acrobat Simile (SN 47.19): Protect Yourself, Protect Others
The Buddha's acrobat simile (SN 47.19): two acrobats keep each other safe by each watching themselves. 'Looking after yourself, you look aft… - Buddhist Teachings on Loneliness: Friendship and a Boundless Heart
What the Buddha taught that helps with loneliness: good friends are the whole of the spiritual life, and a boundless heart of love. Verified…
Practices
- Loving-Kindness Meditation Script: A 10-Minute Guided Practice You Can Read Aloud
A complete loving-kindness meditation script to read to yourself, record, or lead for a group: ten minutes, five circles of kindness, and th… - Right Speech: Five Marks of Well-Spoken Words (AN 5.198)
The Buddha's five marks of well-spoken words (AN 5.198): timely, true, gentle, beneficial and loving. A simple checklist for right speech, a…
When it ends: Buddhist advice for a breakup.
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