The difference between wife vs girlfriend is pretty vivid. However, modern dating and different forms of marriage have made the two concepts quite complex. So, most people don’t see the fundamental difference between these roles.
As a man, you’ll be tempted to think of having a long-lasting marriage with any woman who seems good. But how will you know the difference between someone who’s only girlfriend material and someone who’s a wife material?
Well, this piece will help you out. So come, let’s get started!
Wife vs Girlfriend: 15 Differences
Most men say “I’ll love my woman equally whether she’s my girlfriend or we get married and she becomes my wife.”
But your love isn’t the only factor here. There are certain major differences between having either in terms of commitment, decision-making, housing, and a lot more.
So what are these differences? Check them out below!
| POINT OF DIFFERENCE | WIFE | GIRLFRIEND |
| Legal rights | She has legal rights and obligations over her husband | She has no legal rights or obligations over her boyfriend |
| Depth of relationship | The bond with a wife is a deep, lifelong commitment | The bond with a girlfriend may or may not include lifelong commitment |
| Romance in the relationship | The norm is to build a romantic relationship with a wife | It’s normal to have a non-romantic relationship with a girlfriend |
| Ending the relationship | The end of a marriage with a wife requires legal proceedings for a divorce | The end of a relationship with a girlfriend does not require any legal proceedings |
| Making decisions | Your wife will make decisions for both of you | A girlfriend might make selfish decisions |
| Providing support | A wife will give unending support during setbacks | A girlfriend may find it easier to leave during tough times |
| Adjustments | A wife is ready to adjust | A girlfriend is not always willing to adjust |
| Emotional connection | This is very deep with a wife | It’s not always very deep with a girlfriend |
| Growing a family | When married to a wife, having kids is the norm | In most cases, people don’t have children with a girlfriend |
| Social status | A wife receives official social status | A girlfriend usually doesn’t receive social status |
| Family involvement | A wife usually involves herself with your family | A girlfriend might not be comfortable enough to involve herself |
| Living conditions | A wife will stay with you in the same house | A girlfriend may or may not stay under the same roof |
| Financial discussions | These conversations with a wife are important | These conversations with a girlfriend are not that important |
| Having affairs | Cheating is relatively uncommon and more difficult | Cheating is much more common and easier to do |
| Being respectful | A wife will always be loving and respectful | A girlfriend may or may not be loving and respectful |
This chart has explained the differences briefly, but if you have a bit of time, why not check out the detailed explanations? Keep scrolling to know more!
1. A wife has a legal right over you, but a girlfriend does not
Since marriage is essentially a legal procedure, a wife will have some legal rights and obligations.
But being in a romantic relationship alone has no legal bindings or obligations. This means that your girlfriend will not have any legal right over your assets or personal life. It doesn’t matter, even if you both have been dating for a long time.
2. Having a wife is a deep bonding, but having a girlfriend can be casual
When you’re married, you know that this bond is much more serious than just being in a relationship.
Even though people can have serious relationships with their girlfriends, marriage is a deeper commitment. This is a bond for life.
On the other hand, a girlfriend might or might not stay with you for all her life.
3. Having a wife is a romantic relationship but having a girlfriend might not be romantic
Marriage is essentially a romantic relationship between a husband and wife. You both know that you are bound together forever. Of course, there are “contract” and “business” marriages… but those aren’t normal!
But the term “girlfriend” might not always have such a romantic indication. Many times, girls refer to their female friends as “girlfriends,” even though there’s nothing romantic going on.
4. Ending marriage with a wife requires a divorce, but not when ending a relationship with a girlfriend
As already mentioned, marriage makes you legally bound in the eyes of the law. So, if you and your wife have mutually decided to part ways, you’ll have to file for a divorce. This will then be taken up in a court of law.
But for a girlfriend, it’s easier to end the relationship because there is no legal obligation
5. A wife is expected to support you, but a girlfriend might choose to do things her way
Marriage is a more serious commitment focused on both spouse’s welfare. So, a wife will always think about both of you before making a decision. She knows that all her decisions will impact you in some way or the other.
But a girlfriend might not make selfless decisions. After all, she knows you both may not have a lifelong relationship.
6. A wife will stand by you during tough times, but a girlfriend can find it easier to leave
One of the greatest qualities of a wife is her unending support, especially when you’re going through troubling times. She will stand by you and help you to overcome obstacles.
Unfortunately, a girlfriend will find it easier to leave you because she might not want to go through tough times.
7. A wife is willing to adjust, but a girlfriend might not want to
Your wife will be ready to adjust and compromise in the relationship. This is because she knows that compromises are necessary in a marriage. So she’ll be willing to meet you halfway.
But when it comes to a girlfriend, she may not wish to lean toward your ways. Instead, she may even decide to quit the relationship.
8. The emotional connection with a wife is deeper than with a girlfriend
There is quite a lot of difference between the emotional connection that you have with a wife vs with a girlfriend.
The emotional connection in the first case is deeper and more meaningful. Your wife is your life partner, and she will share all your joys and sorrows.
But a girlfriend might not always be emotionally available for you.
9. Having a wife can lead to having children, but having a girlfriend may not
In a marriage, it is expected that there will be a family somewhere along the line. You and your wife must have dreamt of having kids together or at least adopting a pet.
However, when you’re with a girlfriend, these discussions don’t usually happen. It’s because neither of you knows what will happen in the future.
Of course, some boyfriend-girlfriend relationships lead to having kids. But that’s not favorable for women as undeserving men might strand them with the kids. Those ladies then have to struggle as single mothers.
In many societies, it is often a matter of embarrassment to show off your girlfriend publicly. People usually don’t give girlfriends the same status as a wife. This is simply because being in a relationship is not recognized by the law.
So, a wife will always enjoy more social recognition than a girlfriend.
11. A wife must be involved with your family, but a girlfriend might not
Before you are officially married to a woman, she will want to meet your family members and get acquainted with them. Marriage is not only a union of two people but also of their families.
But when it comes to a girlfriend, she won’t really want to get too involved with your family members or close ones.
12. A wife stays with you in the same household, but girlfriends usually don’t
A husband and his wife are expected to stay in the same house and share common responsibilities together.
On the other hand, in societies where having a girlfriend is not really favored, partners stay in separate households. This helps in keeping the relationship a secret and avoiding social stigma.
13. Finance discussion is important with a wife but not with a girlfriend
Since you and your wife will live under the same roof, it’s important to discuss finances. This starts right from house rent to your children’s education fees.
But discussing the same with your girlfriend may or may not be that important. Especially if you don’t live together in the same house, this is not a choice.
14. Affairs are relatively uncommon with a wife compared to with a girlfriend
Marriage, as you might have already understood, is far more serious than just a relationship. Therefore, people generally think twice before having an affair because the consequences are more severe.
But in a relationship, it’s much easier for either of the partners to cheat on one another.
15. A wife will give you the respect you deserve, but a girlfriend may not do that
Believe it or not, it’s pretty tough to be a wife. However, in spite of everything, she will always love and respect you.
But in a relationship, your girlfriend may or may not give you the same respect that you give her. Even if you move mountains for her, she might not be willing to do the same.
A word from ThePleasantRelationship
So, dear reader, these are some of the major differences between a woman who’s your wife and one who is your girlfriend.
Of course, some of these differences may not always hold true. After all, relationship and marriage dynamics are evolving every day. But these are the most basic and significant differences that can impact your and your woman’s life!
Are you interested to know more about ‘Signs A Guy Is Jealous And Likes You A Lot’ then click here?
