Friendship is often celebrated as the cornerstone of strong relationships. In the journey of marriage, where love often takes center stage, having your spouse as your best friend can be a powerful asset. It creates a lasting and fulfilling partnership. Beyond the romantic gestures and vows, the strength of friendship can be the key ingredient that weathers the storms and celebrates the joys that come with a lifelong commitment.
In this article, we delve into why friendship matters in a lasting marriage and explore practical ways to nurture this bond.
Why Friendship Matters in Marriage
- Emotional Bond: Successful marriages rely on a strong friendship. Research from relationship expert John Gottman shows that having a close friendship predicts both romantic and physical happiness in marriage. Couples who share a deep emotional connection tend to handle challenges better.
- Marriage Happiness: Couples with a strong friendship feel more satisfied with their marriage overall. In fact, knowing and understanding each other deeply—emotional closeness—is five times more important than physical closeness.
- Enjoyable Activities: When spouses are friends, the things they do together become more fun. Whether it’s trying new hobbies, traveling, or simply spending time together, having your favorite person with you makes life experiences better.
How To Build and Nurture Marital Friendship
- Spend Quality Time Together
Set aside dedicated moments to connect. Engage in meaningful conversations and truly listen to each other. Find common hobbies or interests that you both enjoy. From a simple movie night to pursuing a mutual passion, these shared moments contribute to the fabric of a strong friendship.
- Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is the heartbeat of any successful marriage, and in a friendship-based relationship, it takes on an even more crucial role. Talk about everyday life, dreams, and fears. Be honest, and transparent, and trust each other as it is the bedrock of friendship. Be loyal and reliable.
- Make Each Other a Priority
Show your spouse that they matter. Small gestures go a long way, and cheer each other on during achievements.
- Understand and Appreciate Your Partner
Know your spouse well, play “get to know you” games where you quiz each other on details like childhood memories, favorite songs, or quirks. Acknowledge your partner’s efforts and express gratitude.
- Practice Forgiveness and Equality
Forgiveness is essential. Holding onto resentment harms the friendship. Let go of grudges. Also, treat each other equally as mutual respect fosters a healthy bond.
- Scale Through Challenges Together
Every marriage faces challenges, be it external pressures or internal conflicts. A strong friendship equips couples with the resilience to navigate these challenges together. The trust and understanding developed through friendship become the bedrock upon which couples can lean during difficult times.
A lasting marriage thrives on friendship. Cultivate this bond intentionally, and watch your relationship flourish. Remember, your spouse isn’t just your partner, they’re your confidant, cheerleader, and best friend. Friendship in marriage is not just about having a companion to share life’s adventures but also about creating a safe space for open communication. Cherish and nurture this unique connection—it’s the secret to a fulfilling marriage.
Also Read: 7 Effective Communication Tips for Married Couples