Friendship is one of the most intimate relationships in which the human spirit requires to thrive. Whether the friendship is healthy or toxic, it is a connection that we as humans desire at some point in our lives. I can only speak for myself when I say that I treasure the few close friendships I’ve developed over the years. I can’t imagine not being able to pick up the phone to share the latest events going on in my life or just shooting the breeze with my girls. Nor can I imagine one of my girls not calling me to mull over a concern.
Although I have a strong connection with my sister-friends, it cannot compare to the friendship I have with my husband – the love of my life. For over twenty-three years he has been my biggest supporter, my rock, my best friend and my lover. Now don’t get me wrong. Our relationship did not start out as such. Getting married young and throwing babies into the mix made things at times a little challenging. However, my man and I hung in there and made it work. As the children got older, becoming more independent, it allowed us some very much needed “us time.” During our quiet time together we’d take long walks holding hands chattering about every and anything, cuddle on the sofa watching our favorite weekly shows or a DVD, shopping, or taking a last minute weekend getaway.
Honestly, it never really hit me that we were the best of friends until one day several years ago we were in our bedroom sitting on the bed talking. I can’t remember the details of the conversation. All I recall is that he said something that had us rolling on the bed hysterical with laughter. I can distinctly remember feeling at that moment our interaction felt more like a friendship and not a husband-wife moment. I’m happy to admit that those moments are shared quite frequently in our marriage. So yes, my lover is my best friend.
I have a lot of associates, but a handful of true friends. My lover is at the top of my true friends list. He is there for me on my good days and not so good days. When I need to be told something, he does it in a way that is thoughtful and mind provoking. It is a wonderful feeling to know, regardless of the hurt or pain caused by others, he is always there to comfort me and encourage me. Do we have are moments? Yes. But I have I’ve learned to love him when he is fussing at me and I don’t want to hear it. I simply tell him I don’t like you very much at this moment, but I will love you forever. That usually quiets him for a moment, then he continue on with his lecture. LOL! The best part is when it is all said and done, he is still there for me wheather I follow his advice or not. Now, that’s love.
Hey Iris,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Since I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your “Best Friend” I know he’s definitely a keeper
Just wanted to say that I enjoyed your blog. Let me first say that this is probably not a good time for me to respond to your question, since my husband and I are in the midst of a major disagreement. My friendships are very precious to me and I have few people that I actually consider to be true friends. But those that are my true friends, I love them dearly. I think that the key to a good, solid marriage is friendship. As for my marriage, I think we have a long way to go in that department. However, I will say that I do love and respect my husband very much. I believe that communication is one of the keys to friendship and also to attaining a good strong friendship within a marriage. Hoping that we will find our way to that place eventually.
Hey Cathy,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us. I don’t claim to be an expert on marriage, however, my almost 24 years of marriage this June does allow me to speak from experience. Love and respect in a marriage will carry you a long way. Love is patient, kind, and longsuffering (I Corinthians 13.) Please be encouraged and keep hope in your heart that you and your husband will find your way.