What would be better than spending every day of your life with your best friend? Well, some people are lucky enough to become best friends with the person they’re married to. 

Marriage should be built on the same foundations as friendship — and then some. Understanding, compassion, and shared values are the building blocks of long-lasting, even lifelong relationships. 

But how can you know if your marriage is built on a deep friendship? 

Let’s explore a few tell-tale signs.

1) You communicate effortlessly

Communication is the backbone of any strong relationship, and it’s no different in marriage.

Psychologists often stress the importance of open, honest, and effortless communication as a key sign that your spouse is also your best friend.

Think about how you interact with your best friend. Conversations flow naturally, there’s an understanding even when words are left unsaid, and even silence feels comfortable.

If you find yourself in a marriage where communication feels as easy and natural as breathing, you might just be married to your best friend.

It’s not about never having disagreements — there will always be fights. It’s about how you navigate through those disagreements and come out stronger, together.

Pay careful attention to how you communicate with your spouse. It could be telling you more about your relationship than you realize.

2) You’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders

In a world that’s full of critics and challenges, having someone who’s always in your corner can be a game-changer. And the person you’re married to should ideally be your number one fan.

Mutual support is the glue of long relationships.

Take my own marriage, for example. My husband and I have always been there to cheer one another on, no matter how big or small the challenge is.

When I decided to switch careers, I was met with a lot of skepticism from others. It was my husband, however, who stood by me and pushed me to follow my passion, reminding me that I had the talent and drive to succeed.

Our bond became stronger through this process. Not only did he celebrate my victories with me, but he also helped me navigate through the setbacks. He was, and still is, my rock, my biggest cheerleader.

If your spouse is your biggest supporter, always encouraging you to pursue your dreams and standing by your side through thick and thin, then chances are you’re married to your best friend.

3) You prioritize each other’s happiness

When you’re married to your best friend, your spouse’s happiness becomes as important to you as your own.

In a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, it was found that people who consider their spouse to be their best friend are twice as satisfied with their lives compared to those who don’t.

This is because best friends want the best for each other. They derive joy from seeing their friend happy, and this translates into the marriage.

If you constantly find yourself putting your spouse’s happiness on par with yours, it’s a strong indicator that you’re married to your best friend.

It’s not about sacrificing your own happiness but about finding joy in your spouse’s joy. That’s what best friends do.

4) You respect each other’s individuality

Marriage is about coming together, but it’s also about respecting each other’s individuality.

When you’re married to your best friend, there’s a deep understanding of each other’s unique traits and characteristics. You appreciate these differences and see them as strengths rather than flaws.

Your spouse might have hobbies or interests that are completely different from yours. Instead of seeing these as a point of disconnect, you respect and encourage them to pursue their individual passions.

You understand that these individual interests make your spouse who they are. And you love them for it.

This kind of acceptance and respect for each other’s individuality is a clear sign that you’re married to your best friend. Because best friends love, accept, and respect each other for who they truly are.

5) You trust each other implicitly

Trust is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship, and it’s no different in a marriage.

There was a time when I faced a major professional setback. It was a blow, not just to my career but also to my self-esteem. I felt lost and unsure about my next steps.

It was during this time that the trust I had in my husband became even more evident.

I knew I could share my deepest insecurities and fears without being judged. My husband didn’t just offer consolation, but also motivated me to pick up the pieces and forge ahead.

His faith in me, at a time when I was doubting myself, was unshakeable.

This level of trust not only strengthened our bond but also made me realize that I had indeed married my best friend.

If you have that level of trust in your spouse – where you know they have your back no matter what – then you’ve got yourself a best friend for life.

6) You share a special sense of humor

Humor is a powerful bonding tool. When you’re married to your best friend, you share a unique sense of humor that others may not always understand.

You find joy and laughter in the simplest of things, and have inside jokes that are exclusive to the two of you. Even in tough times, you’re able to lighten each other’s mood with a shared joke or a funny anecdote.

This shared sense of humor is more than just about laughter. It’s about shared memories, shared experiences, and a unique bond that goes beyond words.

If laughing together comes naturally to you and your spouse, then it’s likely that you’re married to your best friend. After all, who better to share a good laugh with than your best friend?

7) You can’t imagine your life without them

The ultimate sign you’re married to your best friend? You simply can’t imagine your life without them.

They are the first person you want to share good news with, the shoulder you lean on in tough times, and the one you want by your side as you navigate through life’s journey.

You realize that they have become an integral part of who you are, and the thought of a life without them seems incomplete.

This feeling of completeness and belonging is the hallmark of a best friend. And if you feel this way about your spouse, then congratulations, you’re truly married to your best friend.

Becoming best friends with your partner

The foundation of a successful marriage often lies in the strength of friendship.

Studies and psychologists around the globe emphasize the importance of friendship in a marriage. It’s not just about shared interests or laughter, it goes deeper than that.

It’s about trust, respect, communication, and a deep bond that withstands the test of time. It’s about being there for each other, cheering each other on, and growing together as individuals and as a couple.

If you find these qualities in your relationship with your spouse, then it’s likely you’re married to your best friend. And that’s something truly special to cherish.

Every relationship is unique, of course. But at the end of the day, if you’ve found a partner who is also your best friend, you’ve found one of life’s rarest treasures.