In general, Ted and Marshall always back each other up when one of them is put in a corner by the other members of the group, although there are a few exceptions. While Marshall was going through every stage of growing up (be engaged - get married - become a parent), Ted stayed behind, which seemed to sting him sometimes. As he said himself, he thought he would be doing the same as Marshall at that point. While Ted is struggling to find the right girl, Marshall is always willing to step in, as he went from their house in Staten Island to New York early in the morning cause Ted wanted to talk to him about something important. As well as ruining his first night alone with Lily for Ted.