FOTF-Logo-Stretch-Color.png
Search

Why Your Friends Matter to Your Marriage

Share:
A group of seven women engaging each other in multiple conversations
Eda Kaban
Women are drawn to the company of other women, and your marriage is affected by the friends you choose to spend time with. Which of your girlfriends help to make you a better wife?

As a newlywed, it was easy for me to engage in conversation with other women when I had questions about men and marriage. Unfortunately, I had not yet learned that girlfriends could either help or hinder my relationship with my husband. When I commented to a co-worker about having to juggle my job and home responsibilities, I ended by asking why my husband didn’t have to help. She began elaborating from her own list of marital frustrations — and the conversation went downhill from there. It was only a matter of time before each small annoyance I felt toward my husband was filtered through the larger lens of my colleague’s grievances, and I learned that frustration and disappointment were contagious.

Fast-forward a few years to when I was a young mother with three daughters under age 5. The chaos of preschool years only compounded the questions I had about married life, so once again I found myself looking for support among women. This time, though, I shared my concerns with ladies who were committed to loving their husbands well.  When I’d vent about my husband’s lack of help around the house, my friends would remind me of his commitment to work hard so I could be at home with the girls. When I’d comment about his fervor for football season, they’d remind me of his passion for his family. We shared life together — and that included cheering for our men.

Whatever the stage of life, women find themselves drawn to the company of other women. They celebrate our victories and grieve our losses; they share our joy and feel our pain. It seems that women are wired to engage with other women on a deep and personal level, gleaning from one another along the way. Maybe that’s why Paul wrote about friendships in Titus 2:3-4 when he said, “Older women … are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children.”

Train the young women to love their husbands? Apparently, God knew that married life would require some coaching. Do you have a friend who reminds you of what’s good and honorable about your man; a friend who calls you out when you’re being selfish or unkind; a friend who encourages you to show respect toward your husband and reflect God’s love in your marriage?

Think about your girlfriends. Which ones help to make you a better wife? You’ll recognize the healthy influence among women who:

  • speak respectfully about men and marriage
  • are good and trustworthy listeners
  • express empathy and show compassion
  • pray for you, and their words are reflective of God’s truth
  • confront when necessary
  • believe the best about you and your husband

Time spent with critical friends can make me a demanding wife. Time spent with controlling women can make me a nagging wife. Thankfully, the opposite is also true. When I engage with authentic friends who are committed to godliness in married life, I’m inspired to be a better wife.

I’ve chosen wisely and I’ve chosen foolishly, and both experiences have taught me that my marriage is affected by the friends I choose to spend time with.

Pam Woody is the marriage editor for Thriving Family.

Dynamic CTA Template Below

Share:

About the Author

Read More About:

You May Also Like

Becoming a Stronger Wife

‘Working Out’ My Faith

How might your walk with the Lord change if you took spiritual discipline seriously for 90 days? Your most important work, really your only work, is to be a worshiper and lover of the almighty God.

Montage of photos of 8 happy couples laughing, having fun, and acting silly
Connecting with Your Spouse

10 Simple Ideas for a Happier Marriage

Having a happier marriage may be easier than you think. You can do little things to add joy to your union. Here are inspiring stories written by couples on how they made their marriage happier.

Illustration of mom holding a bible and looking on in dismay as her husband and young son play video games
Becoming a Stronger Wife

A Wife’s Influence

 Your words and actions can influence your husband. If you’ve ever found yourself on the negative side of influence — you know, nagging, whining or manipulating — perhaps these lessons can help.