How Couples Can Remain Best Friends Throughout Their Relationship

When you think about your ideal partner, what comes to mind? Perhaps you want someone who makes you laugh, who supports you through thick and thin, who listens to you and understands you, and who you can share all of your hopes and dreams with. In short, you want someone who is not just your partner, but also your best friend.

But how can you make sure that your relationship stays grounded in friendship as you navigate the ups and downs of life together? According to Dr. Sue Johnson, a clinical psychologist and author of the book "Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love," the key to maintaining a strong friendship in a romantic relationship is emotional connection.

"Emotional connection is the key to a lifetime of love," Dr. Johnson writes. "When we feel securely attached to our partner, we can turn to them for comfort and support, just as we would turn to a close friend."

So how can you build and maintain emotional connection in your relationship? Here are some tips, based on Dr. Johnson's work:

1. Make time for each other: In order to maintain a strong friendship, you need to spend time together regularly. This doesn't have to mean going out on elaborate dates or spending hours talking every day; it can be as simple as setting aside a few minutes each day to check in with each other and share what's on your mind.
2. Practice active listening: When your partner is talking to you, really listen to what they're saying. Don't interrupt or offer unsolicited advice; just listen and validate their feelings. As Dr. Johnson writes, "The most important thing we can do for our partner is to be there for them, to listen to them, and to accept them for who they are."
3. Express appreciation: It's easy to take your partner for granted, especially when you've been together for a long time. But expressing gratitude and appreciation for the things they do for you can go a long way in maintaining emotional connection. As Dr. Johnson writes, "When we take the time to notice and acknowledge the ways our partner supports us, we reinforce our bond and deepen our connection."
4. Practice vulnerability: In order to build emotional connection, you need to be willing to open up and be vulnerable with each other. This means sharing your fears, hopes, and dreams, even if they're difficult to talk about. As Dr. Johnson writes, "Vulnerability is the gateway to emotional connection. When we're willing to be vulnerable with our partner, we invite them into our inner world and create a deeper sense of intimacy."
5. Practice forgiveness: No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. When your partner does something that hurts you, it's important to practice forgiveness and move forward together. As Dr. Johnson writes, "Forgiveness is the key to healing and moving forward in our relationship. When we forgive our partner for their mistakes, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment and create space for emotional connection."

By following these tips and focusing on emotional connection, you can build a strong and lasting friendship with your partner that will serve as the foundation for a lifetime of love. As Dr. Johnson writes, "When we feel emotionally connected to our partner, we can weather any storm and come out stronger on the other side."