Couple Up: Focus on Friendship

Focus on Friendship

As simple as it may seem, friendship is the foundation for a meaningful couple bond. The beauty and simplicity of connection, support, care and kindness dynamically engage couples in the midst of trusted friendship.

Research from the Gottman Institute highlights the central importance of friendship. Vibrant friendship is a primary identifier for healthy, connected couples. Friendship fosters the soil where relationship flourishes. Friendship unites being loved and being liked by your significant other.

The Friendship Factor

    Time Together…you can’t underestimate the importance of quality time. Finding ways to connecting daily is essential. There is purpose and power when a couple chooses to spend time together, experiencing the joy of each other’s company and being available to one another. Be intentional and prioritize time together.

    Conversation…communication is the key to connection. As you choose to share who you are with one another, you are inviting your spouse to connect with you more intimately. Risking opinion, values, beliefs, emotions and storytelling will facilitate deeper connection. As you choose consistent conversation, make sure you are giving each other eye contact. Eye contact deepens the bond of the moment and conveys value and attentiveness.

    Laughter…have fun together. A serious bond does not require the couple to always be serious. Couples who play together, laugh together, watch shows together, and relax together experience a deeper bond. Laughter is medicine for the soul and essential for marital success.

    Making Memories…give your best to one another. Making memories as a couple will facilitate a growing story of meaning and purpose for your marriage. Marital success is growing a bond of loving unity through the seasons of life. Celebrate, vacation, cherish and choose to create space for memory making together. As you make memories, regularly recall, remember and reconnect through the life you have shared together. Remembering can often rekindle desire for the memories yet to be made.

“Friendship is the fuel that will keep the fire burning over the course of your marriage.”

Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash