What if we invested as much of our self for our significant other as much as we do our best friend?
After spending the evening with my best friend of 29 years, the above question popped into my head.
She and I have been through everything and can share about everything.
We cried together when each other lost our dad.
We picked up the pieces when each other's world was shattered. We have encouraged each other's hopes and dreams (or offered to help drown each other's sorrows) throughout the years.
Essentially many of those things that build a solid relationship.
What if we could all do the same for our significant other?

yes but you don't spend 24/7 with your friend..you do your significant other! you do not go to the bathroom' after your friend went to the bathroom !if you did, you may not be friends anymore...
.you do not hear them snore, you do not pick up after them...so it is easy to be friends with them.but your significant other... you get to know them quite intimately

I have always thought this way Dreamer

people get caught up in the sex and 'boyfriend/girlfriend' roles and dont bother trying to be friends,,,,,

I think many relationships would be saved if true friendship was establshed before all the romaticism and physical stuff,,,

well so much for that idea

I have never had a best friend and learned young that I am my own best friend. This changed when I met my husband and we spent 36 quality years together being there for each other for everything until his death. Our life will remain a treasured memory where we were two strangers meeting on a blind date who became soul mates.

The answer, dreamerana, from me personally - It is definitely worth the investment because he was also my best friend and we hardly spent time apart.

A solid relationship is built on unconditional love, compromise, acceptance, sharing, trust, honesty and faithfulness. These qualities are conscious efforts on our part and if our significant other has the same values, then life together is blissful and content.

I never understood the idea of "dating your best friend" until we were a month into a motel drop next to a White Castle.

In for the penny, in for the pound. Wouldn't have it any differently.

Oh, this also took about a decade of build-up. We're like the worst Law and Order series, in that sense.

I don't really have a bestest friend. I consider ALL of my friends my besties. So maybe I have no clue. . I think it depends on what life situations we're thrown into. I don't give my heart easily or to just anyone who flirts with me. There has to be a friendship there first, otherwise I can't see myself being with them, if I don't know what they're like. I think the reason a dr or vet would be ideal for me, is because it would show how caring they are, for people or animals. It just does something to me. It makes my heart melt.

I think a great friendship will give any relationship a solid base

You should always be friends if you want to pursue anything further. I know many couples that feel like two strangers when you watch them talk to each other.

I don't know about that op
best friends are different ... I have considered some guys
as best friends but never anything more then that...
I don't know what it means ...you where my best friend first
then partner in life ... like others have experienced...
even when young more guys as friends then girls ...
and as far as a bf that was just that ...
got to know them as a bf not as a friend ...
if that makes any since ...

Sorry took so long to respond. I read everyone's posts. All very interesting perspectives.
I know we all have different ideas. It's great that we can share.
I think some people thought I'm saying date your best friend. That's great if it works.

My original thought was just if we were to Gove as much of ourselves to our relationship as we do to a best friend, how much better might it be.
Many times we get comfortable in a relationship and take each other for granted, or expect them to read our mind.
We give our friends more tolerance or explanation of our feelings.

He is my lover , my best friend, and my one and only....