Choosing who you marry is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. This is the person you’ll share your life with someone who will care for you, support you, and grow alongside you. You want a partner you can laugh with, talk to for hours, and truly feel at home with. So, does that mean you should marry your best friend?
We spend much of our lives searching for “the one” — the person who will make us happy, stand by us through every phase, and remain a constant presence no matter what life brings.
That’s why couples who have been together for decades often say their spouse is their best friend. They aren’t just romantic partners — they’re companions, teammates, and confidants. And that friendship is often the foundation of their lasting bond. Maybe that’s exactly why people say you should marry your best friend.
If you’re already in a relationship with your best friend — or you’re wondering whether your feelings have turned romantic — these signs can help you figure out if they’re truly the one.
Should You Marry Your Best Friend?
If you find yourself nodding along to these reasons, the answer might very well be yes.
# You Love Them
Love is, of course, essential in marriage. If they’re your best friend, you likely already love them deeply. The real question is whether you’re in love with them. And yes, there’s a difference.
Sometimes romantic love sneaks up on you. You might not even realize your feelings have deepened until one day it suddenly becomes clear. And if your romantic partner is already your best friend? That’s an incredible bonus.
If your love runs deep and includes both passion and friendship, that’s a powerful sign.
# You Trust Them With Everything
Trust is the backbone of any relationship — especially marriage. You need to feel safe sharing your fears, dreams, secrets, and even your vulnerabilities.
If this person is truly your best friend, chances are you already trust them completely. If you know in your heart that you can rely on them no matter what, that’s a strong reason to consider marrying them.
# Your Life Goals Align
Love alone isn’t enough — your visions for the future need to match. If one of you dreams of traveling the world for years while the other wants to settle down immediately, conflict is inevitable.
But if you both want similar things — whether it’s building a home, chasing careers, having children, or exploring the world together — that alignment matters. Shared long-term goals are a major green flag.
# You Share Similar Values
Core values shape how you see the world. If you constantly disagree about what’s right and wrong, it can create ongoing tension.
You don’t have to think identically about everything, but being on the same page about fundamental morals makes life together much smoother. If your principles align, that’s a strong foundation for marriage.
# You Respect Each Other’s Beliefs
You don’t have to follow the same religion or hold identical spiritual beliefs to build a strong marriage. What matters is respect, understanding, and openness.
If you can appreciate where the other person is coming from and honor each other’s perspectives without judgment, that mutual respect is what truly counts.
# You Handle Conflict Well
Every couple argues — it’s inevitable. What matters is how you argue.
If you can have deep, even heated disagreements while still respecting each other’s opinions, that’s rare and valuable. Being able to communicate honestly without tearing each other down is a sign of emotional maturity — and a healthy partnership.
# You Agree on Parenting (Or Not Parenting)
If children are part of the picture, having similar parenting philosophies is crucial. You don’t need to agree on every detail, but being mostly aligned on how you’d raise your kids makes a big difference.
Equally important: if you both clearly want — or don’t want — children, that shared understanding prevents major future conflicts.
# They Bring Out the Best in You
The right person encourages your growth. They support your strengths, accept your flaws, and help you become a better version of yourself.
You can be silly, serious, emotional, or completely yourself around them — and still feel loved. If even your worst days feel lighter with them by your side, that’s something special.
# You Have a Strong Friendship Foundation
Shared interests, inside jokes, favorite shows, similar music tastes — these little things create connection. While differences can be exciting, having common ground makes everyday life more enjoyable.
A relationship built on genuine friendship often has greater depth and stability.
# You Can Fully Be Yourself
Above all, your life partner should be someone you don’t have to pretend around. If you can show your real self — flaws, quirks, dreams, fears — without fear of rejection, that’s priceless.
And who are we most ourselves with? Usually, our best friends.
