Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Friendship
It’s normal to have questions as you shift your focus from pure romance to a deeper friendship. Here are some common concerns and gentle ways to think about them.
What if we have nothing in common anymore?
This is a common fear, especially after children leave home or careers wind down. The key is to distinguish between hobbies and values. You don’t need to both love fishing or quilting. Instead, focus on shared values: Do you both value kindness? Family? Financial security? Adventure? Start there. Then, be intentional about creating new, small, shared experiences. The goal isn’t to find a shared hobby, but to cultivate a shared life. Try a “curiosity project”: pick a topic you’re both mildly interested in—like artisan coffee, a historical period, or a local hiking trail system—and learn about it together. The shared learning is the point of connection.
Is it okay if my spouse isn’t my absolute best friend?
Yes, not only is it okay, it’s healthy. Expecting one person to be your everything—your lover, co-parent, financial planner, social director, and sole emotional confidant—is a recipe for disappointment. Healthy individuals have a diverse support system of friends, family, and community. The goal is for your spouse to be *a* best friend, a primary pillar of support and your most trusted confidant. They should be the person you want to tell your big news to first. But having other close friends enriches your life and, in turn, enriches your marriage by bringing more energy and perspective back into it.
How can we be friends when we’re still so angry or hurt?
When there’s a history of deep hurt or a breach of trust, you cannot simply flip a switch to “friendship mode.” Rebuilding must be done slowly and deliberately. Friendship is rebuilt through actions, not words. It starts with ceasing the behaviors that cause harm and then, very slowly, adding small, positive interactions. Don’t start by trying to have a deep, vulnerable conversation. Start by sharing a cup of coffee in the same room without arguing. Then, try a short, low-pressure walk. The first step is to create new moments that are not tainted by the past. Over time, these small, neutral-to-positive moments can create enough safety to begin addressing the deeper issues, often with the help of a trained therapist. Professional guidance on mental health can be found at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
