A couple. Photo/relate.com
Most of us strive to keep our relationships going as strong and for as long as possible, so what's the secret to making that happen? Turns out that the answer isn't solely about frequent date nights and communication which are both still important but instead all starts with a solid foundation.
Couples who are friends, who have a lasting friendship, who deeply care about each other as people, not just sexual partners to be married to, when they have this deeper basis, everybody benefits, relationship lasts, it's more enduring and durable and fulfilling for both of them.
For two people who can switch between partner and friend, there's a deeper level of intimacy and trust that holds you together.
When a relationship is built primarily on sex or the idea that partners can't serve in multiple roles, it doesn't have much to fall back on when things get tough. But for two people who can switch between spouse/partner and friend, there's a deeper level of intimacy and trust that holds you together. But that doesn't mean your significant other has to be your best friend in order for you two to work. It's unlikely that he or she shares every single interest of yours, and that's where girlfriends and guy friends come in not to compete, but to supplement.
We have different friends for different needs, but the base of it is that our spouse should be one of our dearest friends; we should be building our relationship on a strong friendship foundation.