Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and when you make the decision to spend the rest of your life with someone, it is crucial that you choose someone who you trust and respect. While many believe that love is the most important factor in choosing a life partner, a growing number of people are now choosing to marry their best friend.
But what does it mean to marry your best friend? In this blog post, we explore why marrying your best friend may be the best decision you ever make.
What is a Best Friend?
A best friend is someone who knows you inside out, supports you, and is always there for you. It is someone who you can always count on, no matter what. The bond between best friends is one of the strongest bonds there is. Best friends share everything with each other, including their deepest fears and secrets.
The Benefits of Marrying Your Best Friend
When you marry your best friend, you can be sure that you are partnering with someone who truly knows you. They have seen you at your best and your worst, and they have still chosen to love you for who you are. But what are some of the other benefits of marrying your best friend?
1. You Already Have a Strong Friendship
Marriage is not just about love; it is also about building a strong and lasting friendship. When you marry your best friend, you already have a solid foundation on which to build your marriage. You already trust and respect each other, and you have a deep understanding of each other’s needs.
2. You Will Always Have Someone to Talk To
Communication is key in any relationship, and when you marry your best friend, you can be sure that you will always have someone to talk to. You can share your fears, your dreams, and your goals with each other, without fear of judgment or criticism.
3. You Share Common Interests
When you marry your best friend, you are likely to share many common interests. You already enjoy spending time together, and you know how to have fun with each other. This can make marriage feel less like work and more like a partnership full of shared experiences.
4. You Can Rely on Each Other
When you marry your best friend, you can always rely on each other, no matter what. You know that they will be there for you during the good times and the bad, and you can trust them to have your back. This can provide a sense of security and comfort that is invaluable in any relationship.
5. You Have a Shared Vision for the Future
One of the most important factors in any successful marriage is having a shared vision for the future. When you marry your best friend, you already know what you want in life, and you have a shared vision for your future together. This can help you to make decisions and plan your life together more effectively.
The Challenges of Marrying Your Best Friend
While there are many benefits to marrying your best friend, there are also some challenges that come with this decision.
1. The Risk of Losing the Friendship
When you marry your best friend, there is always a risk that your friendship will change. If things do not work out, it can be difficult to remain friends with your ex-partner. However, if you are both committed to making your marriage work, this risk can be minimized.
2. The Lack of Romance
While marrying your best friend can provide a sense of comfort and security, it may also lack the romance that comes with falling in love. This can be offset by taking time to prioritize romantic gestures and date nights in your marriage.
3. The Risk of Feeling Stuck
When you marry your best friend, there is a risk of feeling stuck in the relationship. Because you already know each other so well, there may be less room for growth and exploration in your relationship. This can be mitigated by making space for self-improvement and discovery within the marriage.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, marrying your best friend can be one of the best decisions you ever make. It can provide a strong foundation for a lasting and fulfilling marriage full of shared experiences, communication, and trust. While there are some challenges to consider, these can be mitigated by being open and committed to making the marriage work. So, if you have found your best friend and partner for life, consider taking your relationship to the next level and saying “I do.”
FAQ
What is a friendship marriage?
A companionship or friendship marriage is a type of marriage where the primary goal is to create a stable and supportive union based on shared values, interests and companionship rather than romantic love or physical attraction. This type of marriage is typically motivated by practical considerations, such as financial and emotional stability, rather than romantic love alone.
Companionship or friendship marriages are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among older couples who have already had successful careers, established financial independence, and strong social networks. Such couples value companionship, mutual respect, trust, and shared goals over physical attraction, passion or intense romantic love. In a friendship marriage, both partners are viewed as equals and are valued for their individual contributions to the relationship.
The main advantage of a companionship or friendship marriage is that both partners share a deep sense of mutual support, trust, and understanding, which enables them to overcome any challenges that may arise in their relationship. They tend to be more stable and less prone to the ups and downs that can come with romantic love. Such marriages are also more likely to endure the test of time, as both partners share common goals and values that are not based solely on physical attraction.
However, there are also some drawbacks to a friendship marriage. Some couples may find that they lack the passion and intimacy that is often associated with romantic love, which can be a disadvantage for those who value these qualities in a relationship. Moreover, in a companionship marriage, both partners may be less likely to share their deepest emotions and vulnerabilities, which can lead to a lack of emotional intimacy.
A companionship or friendship marriage is a type of union that values the stability, mutual support, and shared goals of both partners over the romantic love or physical attraction that is associated with traditional marriages. It can be a wonderful option for individuals who value companionship, trust, and emotional stability over intense passion or romance.
How often do best friends become lovers?
There is no clear or definitive answer to the question of how often best friends become lovers, as it ultimately depends on a range of variables and individual circumstances. However, research conducted by the University of Texas suggests that nearly 70% of romances may begin as friendships.
The study involved 168 college students who were asked to identify how their current romantic relationship began. The results showed that the majority of couples developed feelings of attraction and intimacy for one another over time, often through the process of friendship. Only 18% of people reported they intentionally became friends with their now-partner due to romantic attraction. In other words, the vast majority of romantic relationships seem to start as platonic friendships, rather than as immediate or intentional attempts to forge romantic bonds.
There are several factors that can contribute to the likelihood of a friendship turning into a romantic relationship. One important factor is the amount of time that two people spend together. Best friends who see each other regularly, share hobbies or interests, and open up to one another about personal matters may begin to feel a deep sense of connection and intimacy. Additionally, certain life events or changes in circumstances, such as a breakup or graduation, can create an opportunity for two friends to realize their feelings for one another.
While some individuals may worry that pursuing a romantic relationship with a best friend could jeopardize their friendship, research suggests that these relationships can often be very successful. Couples that start out as friends may already have a strong foundation of trust, communication, and mutual respect, which can help them navigate the challenges of a romantic relationship with greater ease. Additionally, the transition from friendship to romance can allow two people to get to know each other on an even deeper level, which can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful partnership.
While there is no exact formula for predicting how often best friends become lovers, research suggests that there is a strong link between platonic friendships and the development of romantic relationships. If you find that you have feelings for a close friend, it may be worth exploring these feelings and seeing if they are reciprocated. With patience, open communication, and a willingness to take risks, it is possible to turn a friendship into a fulfilling and rewarding romantic partnership.
What percentage of people say their spouse is their best friend?
Marriage is a sacred bond between two individuals who choose to spend the rest of their lives together. It is important for them to share a deep and meaningful relationship, built on love, trust, and mutual respect. Friendship is also a vital component in a successful marriage. When two people not only love each other but also consider each other as their best friend, their relationship becomes stronger and healthier.
The question arises, what percentage of people say their spouse is their best friend? According to recent statistics, 53 percent of men listed their spouse as their bestie, while 43 percent of women did. These figures suggest that the majority of married couples in the United States consider their spouse as their closest friend.
The idea of a spouse being a best friend has many benefits. Firstly, it strengthens the bond between the two individuals. Friendship is built on trust, mutual respect, and honesty, and when these qualities are present in a marriage, it paves the way for a successful and lasting relationship. Secondly, friends share many common interests and hobbies. They have fun together, which adds to the happiness and fulfillment of their lives. Thirdly, it creates a sense of companionship and support. When couples go through tough times, having a best friend to rely on can help them navigate difficult situations.
It is essential for married couples to consider their spouse as their best friend. Not only does it make the relationship stronger, but it also adds a sense of companionship and support. While it’s not always easy to maintain a friendship in a marriage, if both individuals put in effort and prioritize their relationship, it can lead to a happy and fulfilling life together.
Is it true that best friends make the best lovers?
The idea that best friends make the best lovers is a common belief that has been discussed and debated for centuries. While many people believe that having a strong friendship with someone can lead to a successful romantic relationship, others argue that being too close as friends can actually hinder a relationship’s success.
Recent research has shed some light on this topic, exploring the correlation between friendship and romantic relationships. Two studies, consisting of nearly 400 participants in relationships, were conducted to examine the connection between valuing the friendship aspect of a relationship and various outcomes such as commitment, love, sexual gratification, and the likelihood of breaking up.
Interestingly, the results of these studies suggest that those who place more value on the friendship aspect of their relationship experience more positive outcomes. The more that both partners consider their relationship to be rooted in a strong friendship, the more committed they reportedly are to each other. In addition, the couples that valued their friendship reported experiencing more love and greater sexual satisfaction.
Furthermore, valuing the friendship aspect of a relationship was found to decrease the likelihood of the couple breaking up. This finding is noteworthy because many relationships end due to a loss of friendship over time. It appears that when two people prioritize their friendship, other positive outcomes in the relationship follow.
It is important to note, however, that just because best friends make great lovers, that does not mean all relationships need to start as friendships. While some people may find that being friends first is the best way to form a romantic relationship, others may prefer to start dating right away. the key to a successful romantic relationship is finding a partner who shares your values and complements your life. Whether or not that person is your best friend, the most important thing is that the partnership is built on trust, respect, and mutual affection.
What percentage of friends become lovers?
Studies have shown that most romantic couples start out as friends. In fact, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Victoria in Canada, the percentage of friends that become lovers varies from 40% to 73% (with a weighted average of 68%).
One reason for this high percentage could be that friendship provides a solid foundation for a romantic relationship. When two people are friends, they already have a deep connection based on shared interests, values, and experiences. They already know each other’s personalities and quirks, which makes it easier to navigate the ups and downs of a romantic relationship.
Another factor that may contribute to the high percentage of friends becoming lovers is the fact that friendships often involve emotional intimacy and vulnerability. When we share our thoughts, fears, and feelings with a friend, we are opening ourselves up in a way that is similar to how we would open up to a romantic partner. This emotional intimacy can create a strong bond that is a vital component of a successful romantic relationship.
Of course, not all friendships are destined to turn into romantic relationships. There are many factors that can play a role in whether or not two friends will develop romantic feelings for each other, including timing, attraction, and individual preferences and values.
While the percentage of friends becoming lovers varies depending on the study, it is clear that many successful romantic relationships start out as friendships. A strong foundation of shared interests, emotional intimacy, and a deep connection can provide a solid base for a lasting, fulfilling romantic partnership.
