Table of contents:
- Should your partner be friends too?
- Couples become friends to make a harmonious relationship
- However, not all feel the same
- Balancing between friendship and romance
For some people, they may often hear that the people around them feel grateful to have a partner who also doubles as a friend. Meanwhile, there are not a few who do not feel this way, but their relationship remains harmonious. So, should a partner play a role as friends?
Should your partner be friends too?
In fact, there are no rules that require partners to play a role as friends in a healthy relationship. Some people may feel comfortable with the two roles their partner has, but not a few admit that this is ineffective.
According to Scott Bea, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, couples who are also friends can make a relationship more harmonious. However, this dual role does not have to be like that.
Most people probably think that a partner should be best friends because it will take a lifetime. On the other hand, this "culture" is not the only example of a healthy relationship and marriage.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the benefits given from a partner who is also a friend depends on each individual. Do they feel the dual role in this relationship is effective or not.
Couples become friends to make a harmonious relationship
Some of you may feel that a partner who is also a friend makes a relationship more harmonious. How could you not, you can tell everything to your partner, a friend who spends time together every day.
Openness to communication indirectly increases the intimacy between you and your partner.
This is evidenced by research from Journal of Social and Personal Relationship. In the study it was found that this type of couple-friend relationship lasted longer and was more intimate.
In addition, there are many other advantages that are felt by those with partners who are also friends, such as:
- increase relationship satisfaction
- appreciate their partner more
- increase sexual satisfaction
- reduce the potential for a relationship to end
Wouldn't it be nice to find someone with the full package to spend time with? So think of most people who think partners are friends to make relationships last longer.
However, not all feel the same
The benefits felt by people with partners who are also friends do sound pleasant. However, as previously explained, not everyone feels the same way.
There are some people who argue that friends outside of a relationship can actually "run away" when having trouble with a partner. For example, in a marriage you and your partner will share duties.
However, you do not share those obligations with ordinary friends, so that it can become an 'escape'. Therefore, some people feel that their partner does not need to be friends because they have different roles.
Balancing between friendship and romance
So, how to make a relationship stay balanced and harmonious without making your partner good friends? Here are a few tips that might help you balance the two.
- Good and open communication regarding relationships and other issues
- Respect each other's differences
- Appreciate the feelings of partners and friends
- Recognizing the boundaries of friendship outside of a relationship
One thing to watch out for in this relationship is that when you feel more comfortable talking to friends than your partner it means that there is a problem in communicating.
Not making your partner good friends is okay. However, try to start talking to your partner about the role of friends in your life.
Good, open communication is one of the hallmarks of a healthy relationship. In fact, no one knows if you feel comfortable asking your partner to hang out with friends like a friend, right?
Turning your partner into friends is not the only way to have a healthy relationship. However, it doesn't hurt to make your partner your best friend because there are many benefits that can be obtained.
