Although Marshall disapproves of Barney's womanizing ways and dismissed the advice Barney gave to him about women before he and Lily were married, he still loves hearing Barney's dirty jokes. The two do fight over which one of them is Ted's best friend, which has become a running gag in the show.įrom Marshall's perspective, he most likely sees Barney as his second best friend. After being caught in the moment of reconciliation between Ted and Barney, Marshall said that he saw both of them as brothers. Throughout the show, Marshall and Barney's friendship has become stronger due to them becoming co-workers and eventually Barney being the one who marries Marshall to Lily.
Regardless of this, Barney and Marshall became friends and Barney accepted the fact that Marshall was committed to Lily.
Barney starts calling Marshall the 'King', and even followed him around for a week. Marshall later messes with Barney, by flirting with Lily, who Barney did not know at the time. Being loyal to Lily, Marshall refused his offer. Like with Ted, Barney wanted to teach Marshall how to live meaning he was going to help Marshall sleep with various women as he does. Marshall and Barney have been friends since 2001.
