June 8th is National Best Friends Day—a day to celebrate those who show up, stand by us, and see us for who we truly are. As a therapist, I can tell you that while best friends play a vital role in our emotional health, one of the most powerful friendships you can nurture is the one with your significant other.
Why We Need Deep Connection
True friendship gives us something we all crave: the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves. It allows us to share struggles without fear of judgment, to celebrate wins with someone who truly gets us, and to feel seen. Solid friendships also buffer us from isolation, protect against depression and anxiety, and reinforce our sense of worth and purpose.
Friends ground us. They remind us we’re important, lovable, and not alone in the world. So here’s a question worth pausing over: do you treat your partner with the same kindness, empathy, and loyalty you give your best friends?
Do You Treat Your Partner Like a Friend?
Over time, many couples fall into patterns of routine, stress, or emotional distancing. The friendship aspect fades. Ask yourself:
- Do I show up for my partner emotionally and consistently?
- Do I listen with empathy and encourage their growth?
- Am I as patient and supportive with them as I am with my close friends?
If the answer is no, consider why. Sometimes, it’s because we don’t feel that same effort coming back our way. Still, it’s important to keep your own side of the street clean. That means taking ownership of how you show up and inviting your partner into a healthier dynamic with openness and vulnerability.
How to Rekindle the Friendship in Your Relationship
If your partnership has lost its playful, connected, or trusting tone, here are some ways to shift the tide:
- Say Thank You More Often: Appreciate your partner for the little things. Gratitude builds momentum for more kindness.
- Celebrate What’s Working: Don’t just focus on what’s broken. Highlight what you love about your partner—and say it out loud.
- Have Fun Together: Go on adventures, try something new, be silly. Fun is the heartbeat of friendship.
- Communicate Gently: When things are tough, speak from your experience instead of blaming. Lead with curiosity, not criticism.
- Consider Therapy: A good couples therapist can help you clear out old patterns and build a stronger, more supportive bond.
Choose Each Other Every Day
Friendship isn’t passive—it’s active, intentional, and built moment by moment. In your romantic relationship, treat your partner like someone you want to be around, not someone you’re simply stuck with.
You don’t need a perfect relationship to have a meaningful one. You just need two people willing to show up, be real, and keep choosing each other.
This National Best Friends Day, take a moment to honor your friendships—and if you’re in a relationship, take steps to make your partner one of your very best friends again. Celebrate connection, show gratitude, and remember that love and friendship, when nurtured together, create a relationship that lasts.
Tammy Fisher, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST
Therapy with Tammy 