Why Friendship Is the Strongest Predictor of Marital Longevity

Romance starts relationships.
Friendship sustains them.

Many couples don’t fall out of love.
They fall out of friendship.

Under pressure, schedules, stress, and survival mode, curiosity fades. Play disappears. Conversations become logistical.

Friendship Is Emotional Safety

Friendship says:

  • “I enjoy you.”

  • “I’m curious about you.”

  • “I’m on your side.”

Without friendship, intimacy feels forced.
With friendship, connection feels natural.

Research consistently shows that couples who maintain friendship report higher satisfaction, resilience, and longevity.

The Beautiful Truth

Friendship can always be rebuilt.

It grows through:

  • Asking questions without trying to fix

  • Creating small rituals

  • Laughing again

  • Celebrating small wins

Friendship doesn’t require grand gestures.
It requires attention.

Face to Face Marriage helps couples rediscover friendship — not as an extra, but as the foundation of lasting love.

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The Expectations Couples Carry Into Marriage (Without Realizing It)