But here lies a dangerous trap. By dissolving into our partner and cutting off connections with the outside world, we make a strategic mistake that can cost us and our relationship dearly.

Friends as a "safety net"

Falling in love is always a flight, but every flight has turbulence. When the first crisis or the first serious disagreement occurs in a relationship (and they are inevitable), it is friends who become the very support that does not allow us to fall.

Friends are people who knew you before. They remember you without a partner, they know your true goals, dreams and sense of humor. They are the guardians of your identity. If you completely replace your social circle with one person, you make your emotional state completely dependent on his mood and actions. This is too much of a burden for anyone, even the most ideal partner.

Fresh air for relationships

Paradoxically, time spent with friends away from your partner makes your relationship stronger.

Energy Exchange: Friends give you emotions and topics to discuss that you cannot get as a couple. When you return home after an evening out with company, you bring with you new stories, a different perspective on things, and a boost of energy.

Preventing suffocation: When two people do everything together - go to the gym, watch the same movies, eat the same food - they begin to suffocate from predictability. Friendship is a window through which fresh air flies into your relationship.

How to maintain balance and not offend anyone?

Of course, at the beginning of a novel, priorities shift, and that's normal. But in order not to wake up six months later in complete social isolation, try implementing a few rules:

No "We" in Personal Meetings: If you're invited by an old friend, don't automatically bring your partner along. Give yourself and your friend the opportunity to communicate in the old format. It's also good for your partner to spend this time without you.

Communication Honesty: Instead of simply ignoring your friends' messages, say directly: “Guys, I'm in deep dive mode right now, but I love you guys so much. Let's see you next Saturday for two hours?

Own traditions: Keep at least one tradition that belongs only to your circle of friends and in which your “halves” do not have a place.

Remember: love can come and go, but true friendship takes years to build. Don't turn into "Siamese twins." The most interesting and lasting unions are those where each partner remains an individual with a rich social world outside the bedroom. Fall in love, but don't forget those who were there when you were still dreaming of this love.