7 Reasons Why Friendship is So Important in Healthy Relationships
“Pyar Dosti Hai” is an iconic life philosophy for a lot of desis, mostly because SRK told us so. But if that’s not enough to convince you to make sure your partner is one of your best friends, then how about some good ole’ science? A research study in the Journal of Happiness Studies showed that being best friends with your spouse is linked to higher levels of satisfaction!
This doesn’t mean you need to go date your best friend, or spend every waking minute with your partner, or tag every single one of your Instagram pictures together with #bestfriend (especially not that last one please). But if they don’t even have the potential of becoming one of your best friends one day, do you really want it?? Despite what movies will have us believe, no one can turn on the romantic charm 24/7. Life is about all the everyday, mundane moments in between the big, romantic gestures, and those are a hell of a lot more fun with a bestie by your side. Read on for a few of our top reasons why a strong friendship with your partner leads to a healthier relationship.
1. You can be 100% yourself.
There are no pretenses when you’re with someone you trust and can be comfortable around. The weirder and more honest you can be around your partner, the better! And this comes with building a solid foundation based on friendship.
2. You can ditch the formalities.
Once you partner up, you have to do crazy things like share a room, spend time with each others’ families, and probably shit/shave/shower in front of each other. Nobody has time to be shy and coy and deal with formalities.
3. They know what they’re getting into.
They’ve seen you at your best, and at your worst. They know exactly what they’re getting into, and probably love you FOR your flaws rather than despite them.
4. You automatically get a life-long cheerleader.
They’re just as invested in your dreams as you are, and are always pushing you to be the best version of yourself while cheering you along from the sidelines!
5. You always have a buddy to explore interests with.
One of the hardest things about young adulthood is that you no longer live next door to your friends, and it’s so damn hard to get people to commit to doing things! It’s nice to have a go-to bestie who will always be down to try new things and explore your interests with you.
6. They support and enable your independence.
One of the biggest mistakes most people make is completely giving up their other friendships and independence for their relationship. The right partner won’t stop you from living your own life, they’ll just be the one you want to come home to at night and share your stories with.
7. You’re happier and more secure with them.
At the end of the day, being best friends with your partner really just means that you trust them, they make you happy, and they give you a sense of security that is freeing rather than all-consuming.
