Is your partner your "best" friend? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some people believe that their partner should be their "best" friend, while others believe that it's important to have separate friendships. Ultimately, it's up to you and your partner to decide what works best for your relationship. I always find it heartwarming and sweet when someone tells me their spouse is their best friend. However, I caution that this is a lot of pressure for one person – to be their only go-to for deep connection, council, and companionship. I suggest it is too much for any one person and that is why I recommend building a Tribe of support. Everyone can benefit from 2-5+ “besties” who cheer you on in life, catch you when you hit a road bump, and lovingly call you on it when you step off course. Your partner will benefit from this to as it will give them the opportunity to explore some interests that you might not be that excited about. Their uplifting friendships will expand their horizons and support them through life as well. When you meet up after separate friendship outings you will have more interesting conversations and appreciation for each other. In many cases, a little distance does make the heart grow fonder. Along with Dr. John Gray author of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" and an all-star line-up, I was delighted to be asked by Relationship and Dating expert Natalia Murua to share my expertise around this topic in the upcoming The Busy Woman’s Guide to Finding True Love... because there are so many ways to stop
struggling in dating and relationships and have the love you want. It doesn't matter if you are single, dating, married or somewhere in the middle, in this show you will discover how to make the simple yet powerful shifts in your love life to attract or keep true lasting love in a fun, stress free way while developing the skills & abilities to sustain a healthy, long-lasting relationship. I have a complimentary invitation for you to attend. You can register using this link to have access to the interview series that begins September 21st. Join me there! Your dream relationship is much closer than you realize, XXX! How Strong Friendships Can Benefit Your Marriage or Love Life Marriage is a partnership, but it's also important to have your own friends outside of the relationship. Strong friendships can benefit your marriage in many ways, including:
Helping you explore your interests. No one can be everything to anyone, so it's important to have friends who share your interests. This can give you the opportunity to explore new hobbies and activities that your partner may not be interested in.
Providing a support system. Friends can be there for you during good times and bad. They can offer emotional support, advice, and a shoulder to cry on.
Helping you stay positive. Friends can help you stay positive and optimistic about life. They can remind you of your strengths and help you see the good in the world.
Giving you a break from your partner. It's important to have some time away from your partner, even if it's just for a few hours. Spending time with friends can give you a chance to relax and recharge, and it can also help you appreciate your partner more when you're back together.
The bottom line is that strong friendships can benefit your marriage or love life in many ways. So don't be afraid to reach out and make new friends and encourage your spouse to do the same. You may be surprised at how much they enrich your life. Here are some tips for maintaining strong friendships:
Make time for each other. This means setting aside regular time to spend with your friends, even if it's just for a coffee or a walk.
Be supportive. Be there for your friends during good times and bad.
Be forgiving. Everyone makes mistakes. Be willing to forgive your friends when they make mistakes. Because we are not bound by marriage, contract or blood, friendships often are the victim of giving up and moving on too quickly when things get difficult. Make the commitment to work through disagreements and unintentional hurt.
Be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not just to please your friends.
If you can do these things and learn from the experts at The Busy Woman’s Guide to Finding True Love, you'll be well on your way to building strong friendships that will benefit your marriage or love life for years to come.
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