The Beauty of Companionship: Why I Value Friendship & Partnership in My Marriage More Than Ever
Valentine’s Day is often wrapped in grand romantic gestures, flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. And while I’ll never say no to a well-planned date night (Carlos, take notes!), I’ve realized that the longer we’ve been together, the more I cherish the quiet, everyday moments of companionship in our marriage. Don’t get me wrong, I still love romance, but the deep friendship and partnership we’ve built over the years? That’s the part that truly lasts.
Love Evolves, and That’s a Beautiful Thing
When Carlos and I first started dating, love looked a lot different. It was butterflies, long conversations into the night, and going out of our way to impress each other. It was exciting and new, and I wouldn’t trade those early days for anything. But love isn’t meant to stay in the same place. It’s meant to grow, deepen, and evolve.
Over the years, what I’ve come to appreciate most is how our relationship has become a true partnership. It’s not just about date nights and anniversaries; it’s about navigating life together, supporting each other’s dreams, and being each other’s safe place. The grand gestures are nice, but it’s the little things, like making each other breakfast in the morning or laughing over the same inside joke for the hundredth time, that make our love feel so solid.
The Power of Being Best Friends
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that friendship is the foundation of a strong marriage. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that passion and romance are the most important aspects of a relationship, but at the end of the day, being married to your best friend? That’s what makes a marriage truly fulfilling.
Carlos is the person I turn to when I have good news, bad news, or just need someone to listen while I rant about something completely ridiculous. He knows my quirks, my strengths, my struggles, and somehow still chooses to love me through it all. And I’d like to think I do the same for him (even when he leaves his clothes right next to the laundry basket instead of inside it… but I digress).
The Strength of Partnership in Marriage
One of the biggest shifts in our relationship came when we truly embraced the idea of partnership. Marriage isn’t about keeping score or splitting everything down the middle; it’s about showing up for each other in the ways that matter most.
There have been seasons where Carlos has had to carry more of the weight, and there have been seasons where I’ve stepped up more. And that’s the beauty of a strong partnership: knowing that you don’t have to do everything alone. Whether it’s tackling finances, making big life decisions, or simply being there for each other after a tough day, having a true partner makes all the difference.
Finding Romance in the Ordinary
Romance doesn’t always look like a Nicholas Sparks movie (thankfully, because I am not in the mood for a dramatic plot twist). It’s not just about grand gestures, it’s about showing up for each other in everyday ways.
For us, romance is in the little things:
- Sending a text just to check in during a busy day
- Doing the dishes so the other person can relax
- Remembering the random, insignificant things that make each other happy
- Laughing until we cry over something completely ridiculous
- Holding hands in the car when no one’s watching
These are the moments that matter. These are the moments that build a lifetime of love.
Why Companionship Is the Greatest Gift
At the end of the day, the thing I value most in my marriage is knowing that I have someone to do life with, someone who understands me, supports me, and walks alongside me no matter what comes our way. Love isn’t just about passion and excitement; it’s about trust, friendship, and the comfort of knowing that you’re never in this alone.
So this Valentine’s Day, while I’ll gladly take any chocolate Carlos wants to buy me, what I’m truly celebrating is the partnership we’ve built. The deep friendship that keeps us connected. The laughter that fills our home. The everyday moments that remind me why I chose him, and why I’ll keep choosing him, over and over again.
Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life, my best friend, and my forever teammate. ❤️