How to Build Friendship with Your Partner: The Foundation of Lasting Love
When we think of a successful romantic relationship, words like love, passion, and commitment often come to mind. However, there's another crucial element that often goes overlooked but is equally, if not more, important: friendship. Building and nurturing a deep friendship with your partner is the foundation upon which a lasting and fulfilling love can be built. When the friendship is strong, then the relationship can become a soft place to land and an escape from outside stressors.
Practical Tips to Build Friendship with Your Partner
Communicate Openly: Share your thoughts and feelings honestly with your partner. Make an effort to listen actively when they speak. Avoid judgment and criticism, and instead, offer support and understanding. Chances are, you both get enough criticism outside the relationship and in your own negative self talk!
Have fun: making time to have fun together will remind you both of why you are together in the first place and strengthen the friendship. If you need a little help figuring out some activities that are fun for both of you, try making a Venn diagram and look for your overlapping interests.
Show Appreciation: Express gratitude and appreciation for your partner regularly. Small gestures of kindness and affection can go a long way in strengthening the friendship. As John Gottman says, “Little things often.”
Embrace Laughter: Don't forget to have fun together! Laughter is a powerful bonding agent. Share jokes, engage in playful banter, and cherish moments of joy. A shared sense of humor is something that needs to be cultivated, so when you have a choice- choose to laugh.
Have each other’s back: Disagreements are a part of any relationship. Approach conflicts with empathy, active listening, and a willingness to compromise. Remember, it's you and your partner against the problem, not against each other. Sometimes this may mean choosing to say something supportive over the criticism or concern that comes more readily.
Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate each other's successes, no matter how big or small. Your partner's victories are your victories, and vice versa. Chances are, they couldn’t have done it without your support!
Building a strong friendship with your partner is not something that happens overnight, but it is a journey well worth embarking upon. By prioritizing open communication, quality time together, and mutual support, you can lay the friendship foundation for a lasting and fulfilling romantic relationship.
