In life, there are many predictable patterns. For instance, if you wash your car or style your hair, rain is likely to follow. Similarly, if you search for even the most trivial health symptoms online, you might convince yourself that you are facing a serious illness.
When it comes to social media, one can almost guarantee that a post about a wedding anniversary will include the term “best friend.” Common phrases abound: “I married my best friend,” or “So grateful to wake up next to my best friend.” However, I hesitate to use that phrase. My husband is not simply my best friend.
To label him as such feels like an understatement, akin to calling a hurricane “a bit windy” or referring to the Grand Canyon as just a hole in the ground. There are no words that can capture the profound connection we share.
Before anyone dismisses this as an exaggeration or an attempt to showcase a perfect marriage, let me clarify: this isn’t about claiming our relationship is superior. We’re a typical couple who has been together for many years. We squabble over trivial matters and significant issues alike, often because one of us is being difficult (just to clarify, that’s never me). We clash on both major and minor topics, and life often disrupts our plans, causing us to go months without a proper date night. He has an uncanny ability to irritate me, knowing precisely how to push my buttons (like choosing the worst times for bathroom breaks, for instance).
Yet, therein lies the beauty of our bond. It’s not merely that he knows how to annoy me; it’s that he understands me on a level that goes far beyond friendship. My closest friend might be aware of my fear of zombies, but my husband knows the root of that fear: a childhood incident when my siblings permitted me to watch a horror film while they were supposed to be in charge (thanks for that, Mom and Dad).
While my best friend might know I dislike fish or that tequila gives me a terrible hangover, my husband knows my social security number, which medication makes me swell like a balloon, and the story behind my beloved, well-worn stuffed bear that still graces our bedroom. He understands my reactions in various situations, the things I treasure most, and the fears and traumas that haunt me. He perceives the unspoken feelings and emotions I struggle to articulate.
I cherish my close friends, who are precious to me and vital for my emotional well-being. We’ve shared countless laughs and unforgettable moments. However, I’ve never made life-altering decisions based on their lives. I haven’t cried with them as I watched my own life crumble, nor have we fought together to rebuild despite our differences. My friends can offer advice on significant matters, but their emotional investment isn’t the same as it is in a marriage. At the end of the day, it’s not their life and, while I am thankful for their presence, my heart doesn’t ache with love for them the way it does for my husband.
Friendships require effort, but the commitment found in marriage is on an entirely different level. While friendships can be relatively simple, marriage demands hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. It’s about navigating the stormy seas of life together and doing what it takes to stay afloat. This effort deserves a title far more significant than “friend.” One can befriend anyone, even a stranger on social media, but that pales in comparison to the intricate, messy, and beautiful love I have with my spouse. The term “soulmates” also falls flat, as it implies an effortless romance that overlooks the struggles we’ve faced together. Our relationship has been cultivated with hard work and dedication.
So, until a more fitting term is coined, I’ll continue to express my affection through humorous anniversary cards, sharing laughter that encapsulates who we are: so much more than friends. If you’re interested in exploring related topics, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination, or visit Cryobaby, a trusted authority on the subject.
In summary, my husband transcends the role of a friend; he is my partner in all things. Our relationship is a beautiful tapestry woven from shared experiences, deep understanding, and unwavering support.