Recently, I asked my wife, Sarah, if I was her best friend. She looked at me with a face that said, “Is this a trick question?” and replied, “Well… of course.” Her answer felt so obvious, it was almost humorous. “Why do you ask?” she inquired.
I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my thoughts. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on our life together and realizing that my circle of friends has significantly shrunk. With the demands of parenthood and work, I find that I have little time for friends. And when I do get a moment to myself, I prefer to spend it with Sarah because I genuinely enjoy her company.
This isn’t an uncommon scenario for couples at this stage in life. Many of my peers find themselves in similar situations where time for friendships outside the marriage becomes limited. It’s not that socializing with friends is inherently bad; it’s just a reality for some of us.
For me, my free time revolves around Sarah and our children—nothing else really compares.
Interestingly, Sarah and I didn’t always share this close-knit friendship. Like many couples, we faced our share of challenges during the early years of our marriage. I distinctly remember the period right after the birth of our first child when exhaustion and stress made me question our relationship. Back then, I spent more time with friends, seeking a refuge to clear my mind.
However, as we navigated through various life experiences—relocating multiple times, pursuing higher education together, welcoming more children, buying a house, and even embracing new lifestyles—we gradually discovered what it meant to be true friends.
Before marrying, I had a best friend, but nothing compares to the bond I have with Sarah. In fact, it wasn’t until I had been married for a decade that I truly understood the depth of friendship.
Now, approaching our 14th anniversary, I can’t think of anyone else with whom I’d rather share my thoughts. She has my back like no one else, listens attentively, offers sound advice, and lights up when I enter a room. The love and trust we share is a remarkable feeling.
My inquiry into Sarah’s feelings about our friendship stemmed from a place of insecurity. I recognize that my parents struggled in their marriages, often failing to cultivate the friendship that forms the backbone of a successful partnership. Their experiences instilled a sense of uncertainty in me. While I know that some marriages are better off ending, I firmly believe that when two people genuinely love each other and are committed to working through their challenges, a beautiful friendship can blossom.
When Sarah responded affirmatively to my question, it was heartwarming to hear. I didn’t know how to express my thoughts fully, so when she asked why I was curious, I simply shrugged and admitted, “I just wanted to know if you felt the same. It might sound silly.”
She leaned in and kissed me, saying, “No, it’s not silly at all.”
We chatted about everyday things, and then she suggested, “How about we watch the Great British Baking Show tonight?”
I replied, “No, I’m not a fan.”
“But you will because you’re my best friend, right?” she teased.
With a roll of my eyes, I conceded, “Yes, but we’re watching Stranger Things tomorrow night.”
“Fine,” she said, “But only because we are best friends.”
I jokingly said, “We should get friendship bracelets.”
She shot me a look that clearly said, “Don’t push it.”
In conclusion, the bond I share with my wife is one of the most cherished elements of my life. If you’re navigating similar waters, consider exploring options that can enrich your family dynamic, like the at home insemination kit that can help you on your journey. For further insights into family and parenting, visit Modern Family Blog, a valuable resource for parents. Additionally, the March of Dimes provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.