Friends

Contextual Resource: Friends

Contextual Resource: Friends

Friendships—including each partner’s individual friends and “couple friends” that the partners
share—play a very important role in supporting intimate relationships. Friends help you to stay
connected to the world around you. When couples are not connected and are isolated, they may be
at risk for such negative relationship dynamics as relationship violence. Not only do friends play a
protective role in relationships, they also provide opportunities for fun and new experiences, practical
help in managing problems, and emotional support.

Strategies for increasing your friendship resources

1. Be sure you make time for spending time with friends, even when your schedule is really busy.

2. Remain open to making new friends—you’ll probably find that you need different types of
friendships as you pass through the various phases of life.

3. Practice good communication and conflict management skills within your friendships. Using these
skills with your friends can help to strengthen your friendships while also giving you practice for using
those skills with your partner.

4. Encourage your partner to build and maintain individual friendships, especially when those
friendships are with people who are a positive influence on his or her life.

5. Be a good friend yourself! A friendship is a special kind of mutual relationship that encompasses
both giving and getting. You can nurture your friendships by demonstrating such qualities as
thoughtfulness, kindness, good listening, and empathy.