When your spouse cracks a joke, you’re the first one to laugh. When you’re upset, they’re the first one you want to talk to.

That’s the basics of a solid marriage.

But is it possible that you’ve gone beyond that? That you’ve actually married your best friend? Some of us are lucky enough to say yes.

And here’s how you know. If you spot these 8 signs, then congratulations. You didn’t just marry a partner, you married your best friend.

In this digital age where communication is key, having your best friend and spouse in one person can be a real game-changer. Not everyone is fortunate enough to experience this, but for those who do, it’s nothing short of magic.

So let’s dive in, shall we?

1) You’re each other’s first call

Ever had a bad day and the first person you want to vent to is your spouse?

Or maybe something amazing happened and you can’t wait to tell them about it?

That’s the magic of marrying your best friend. They’re not just your partner in life, but they’re also your confidant, your sounding board, and your biggest cheerleader.

Even in this digital age, nothing beats a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart talk with your spouse. It’s more than just communication – it’s connection.

And if they’re always your first call, no matter what the situation is, that’s a pretty clear sign that you’ve married your best friend.

2) You can enjoy silence together

Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon. The house is quiet, save for the faint hum of the fridge and the occasional chirping of birds outside. You’re both on the couch, engrossed in your own books, not saying a word.

And yet, you’ve never felt more connected.

That’s exactly how it is with my spouse and I. We don’t need constant chatter to fill our time together. Sometimes, the most comfortable silence is all we need to feel that deep connection.

Sure, we have our lively debates and silly banter. But those moments of shared silence? They’re golden.

If you and your spouse can sit together in silence without feeling awkward or needing to fill it with conversation, that’s a sign you’re not just partners – you’re best friends.

3) You respect each other’s individuality

In a world where over 50% of marriages end in divorce, those that last, tell a different story.

They tell a tale of two individuals who, despite their deep love and commitment, never lose sight of their own identities. They cherish each other’s individuality and respect their personal space.

If your spouse is your best friend, they won’t just love you for you. They’ll also respect your independence and encourage your personal growth.

Marriages aren’t about two people becoming one, but about two individuals choosing to walk the same path together while still being true to themselves.

And if that’s what you have with your spouse, well, then you’ve married your best friend.

4) Their happiness is your happiness

Ever found yourself smiling simply because your spouse is happy? Or maybe you’ve felt a pang of sadness when they’re down, even if you’re having a great day?

When you’ve married your best friend, their emotions don’t just affect them – they affect you too. You feel joy when they’re joyful, and you feel pain when they’re hurting.

This emotional connection goes beyond empathy or sympathy. It’s a deep, heartfelt connection that only the closest of friends can share.

So if your spouse’s happiness is your happiness, then it’s pretty clear – you’ve married your best friend. And that’s something truly special.

5) You laugh at the same things

I’ve always believed that humour is a vital ingredient in any successful relationship. And with my spouse, our shared sense of humour is one of the things that bonds us the most.

We can be in a room full of people, and all it takes is one look or one inside joke, and we’re both laughing. Even if no one else gets it, we do. And that’s what matters.

In fact, some of our best memories are those where we’ve laughed until our sides hurt.

If you and your spouse constantly find joy and laughter in the same things, it’s likely you didn’t just marry your life partner – you married your best friend. And that’s a bond that’s hard to beat.

6) You can argue without fear

Arguments and disagreements are often seen as negative. But in a relationship where your spouse is your best friend, they can actually be a sign of a healthy bond.

Why? Because it means you’re comfortable expressing your opinions, even when they differ. It means you’re not scared to voice your thoughts and feelings, knowing that they won’t judge you or love you any less.

Remember, it’s not about never having arguments, but about how you handle them when they do occur. If you can argue, then make up, and not hold grudges, then it’s likely your spouse is more than just a partner – they’re your best friend.

7) You support each other’s dreams

Imagine having a cheerleader, a coach, and a partner all rolled into one person. That’s what it’s like when you’re married to your best friend.

They don’t just support you in the day-to-day tasks, but they also stand by your side as you chase your dreams – no matter how big or small.

Whether it’s starting a new business, going back to school, or embarking on a fitness journey, they’re there cheering you on every step of the way.

If your spouse is your biggest supporter and believer in your dreams and ambitions, then it’s clear – you’ve married your best friend.

8) You love them, faults and all

Nobody’s perfect. We all have our quirks and flaws. But when you’re married to your best friend, you don’t just tolerate these imperfections – you love them.

These so-called ‘flaws’ become endearing traits that make your spouse uniquely them. And it’s this unconditional acceptance and love that truly sets a best-friend-spouse apart.

So if you find yourself loving your spouse not despite their imperfections, but because of them, then congratulations – you’ve married your best friend.

A final reflection

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you’ll agree that marrying your best friend isn’t just about shared interests or laughter. It’s about respect, support, shared dreams, and an emotional bond that goes beyond the superficial.

Because just as the great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.”

And if you’ve found these 8 signs in your own relationship, then you haven’t just found a spouse. You’ve found a best friend, a partner in life, and someone who loves you – flaws and all.

Isn’t that something truly beautiful to reflect on?