In a healthy relationship, spouses should support each other's friendships, regardless of their genders. However, it's common to hear women who are uncomfortable with their husband's female best friend. If you're the man who is in this situation and you would like your partner and best friend to co-exist, here are five appropriate rules to live by:
1. Thresh It Out
Understand where your wife or partner is coming from when she expresses her jealousy. If she tells you her feelings about your female best friend, brushing it off will only trigger more hurt and anger and this could lead to bigger problems in your marriage. You will have to talk it over.
2. Draw Boundaries
In talking it out, you should be able to agree on setting boundaries. How often do you chat with your female best friend on Facebook? Do you take her calls at odd hours of the night just because her guy treated her badly?
Limit these instances to limit chances of flirtation and emotional dependency. It always starts out harmless, until it gets bigger and you no longer have no control of it. Regardless if you met your female best friend before you met your wife, the latter should always come above anyone else.
Ok I would NOT be cool with my husband having a female bestfriend, I don't give a damn if they been bf since grade school #blackish — MRS. WILLIAMS (@MOMO806) January 7, 2016
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3. Extend The Invites
Include your wife in your activities with your female best friend. If you want your wife to be comfortable, then give her a chance to bond with your BFF. Perhaps, she will see why you both click platonically.
If possible, acknowledge your love and commitment to your wife with your best friend around. Also, make your best friend aware of the fact that invites to movies, dinners and similar social activities should also be extended to your wife.
My husband's female best friend is automatically my best friend. Did you not hear that we're now one? Girl we are besties now. Hugs. — Pepisko D. Pepeye (@MissIgho) September 22, 2014
4. Seek An Expert
If you're having problems with your wife -- whether this is about your finances, your job, your kids and especially your sex and relationship -- don't turn to your female best friend for advice or guidance. Turn to your wife and work this out together instead of putting a third person in your marriage. If you need a new perspective on problems you cannot settle with your wife, seek the counsel of an expert.
5. Strengthen Your Marriage
When was the last time you took your wife out on a date? When did you last travel together without the kids? As a couple, you'll need regular couple time to strengthen your relationship and become each other's best friend.
One way to do this is to spend a relaxing time enjoying each other's company. Go on a holiday or do something new after weeks of stressful work or home life.
