We all want our romantic relationship to be more than just a fleeting passion; we yearn for a deep, meaningful friendship too.

Sound familiar?

You spend time with your partner, share secrets, laugh, and cry together. But does that mean they’re your best friend?

It may feel like a yes, but sometimes it’s hard to be sure.

Believe me, you’re not alone in this uncertainty.

This confusion is common, and it’s okay. The signs aren’t always crystal clear.

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Today, we’ll decipher some signs that your partner is indeed your best friend.

Some of these might surprise you.

Before we dive in, remember, there is no intention here to convince you that your partner should be your best friend. 

It’s completely fine if they’re not.

I’m merely here to help you identify the signs that often get overlooked.

Maybe you’re already aware of them…

…let’s find out.

1) You enjoy silence together

Ever noticed how comfortable silence can be with your partner?

I recall a time when my partner and I took a long drive up the coast. There was no music, no chit-chat…just silence. It was peaceful, not awkward.

We were content just being in each other’s company.

That’s when I realized, silence isn’t necessarily a sign of discomfort. In fact, it’s quite the opposite when you’re with your best friend.

2) They know your quirks and love you anyway

We all have our quirks, don’t we? Those little things that make us who we are.

For instance, I have an odd habit of constantly rearranging my workspace. It drives some people up the wall! But my partner? They just smile and tease me about it.

Your partner knowing and accepting your quirks is a telltale sign they’re more than just a romantic interest.

If they can laugh at your odd habits and still love you unconditionally, chances are they’re truly your best friend.

3) They are your go-to person for sharing news

Whether it’s a promotion at work or just an interesting article you read during lunch, the first person you want to share it with is usually your best friend.

We all have an innate human desire for social connection and validation. This is why we often share our experiences with those closest to us.

Be it good news or bad, exciting or upsetting, they’re always the first one you want to tell. Because you know they’ll be there, ready to celebrate your success or comfort you during tough times.

4) You trust them with your deepest fears

Trust is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship. It’s what allows us to bare our souls and reveal our deepest fears.

With your partner, you find the courage to open up about things you’d normally shy away from. You’re not afraid they’ll judge you or use your fears against you.

Just as a child confides in their closest friend about their fear of the dark, you confide in your partner about your anxieties and insecurities. 

It’s a profound level of trust that goes beyond love; it’s the essence of friendship.

5) You can be your authentic self with them

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my own relationship, it’s the importance of being able to be myself.

I remember the first time I went on a date with my partner. I was trying so hard to impress them that I forgot to be myself. And let me tell you, it was exhausting!

But as our relationship grew and turned into friendship, I learned that I didn’t need to put up a facade. I could be quirky, nerdy, or even grumpy at times, and they loved me all the same.

In fact, they encouraged me to be myself.

6) You support each other’s goals

One of the most beautiful aspects of friendship is the mutual support and encouragement for each other’s dreams and aspirations.

Your partner doesn’t just know about your dreams, they stand by you every step of the way to achieve them.

They are your biggest cheerleader, your sounding board, and your motivator.

They celebrate your successes and help you learn from your failures.

7) You can disagree without fear

Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, but how you handle them is what counts.

With my partner, I’ve found that we can have a disagreement, even a heated one, without fear that it will break us. We respect each other’s point of view and work to find common ground.

When you can have open, honest disagreements with your partner and come out stronger on the other side, then you’re not just in a romantic relationship. You’re also in a friendship.

8) You miss them when they’re not around

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. When you’re apart from your partner, if you find yourself missing their company like you would miss a best friend’s, then it’s a clear sign of a deep bond.

It’s not just about missing their romantic gestures or physical presence. You miss their laughter, their stories, their perspectives on life.

If you find yourself longing for their companionship when they’re not around, then it’s pretty clear – they are truly your best friend.

Conclusion

So there you have it. If you recognize these signs in your relationship with your partner, then congratulations!

You’ve found more than just love; you’ve found a best friend.

Every relationship is unique and these signs may show up in different ways for different people. 

What’s important is that you feel valued, understood, and loved for who you are.