Marriage is a great relationship—probably the greatest next to our relationship with Jesus. Marriage, however, is not the only relationship a person needs to stay stable and healthy.

We all need friends. God made us so that we do much better in life if we have friends. It is great to have friends who love you even when they can see your weaknesses. They can laugh you into seeing your faults, can be there when you are in pain and are always available when you need a little extra help with life.

I love having friends. I am also glad Lisa has friends. After spending time with her friends, she always returns home happier for just getting together with them. They talk and can call each other for prayer.

You can only be responsible for your own relational faithfulness. Maintain some same-gender close relationships. It’s wonderful when you see their phone number on your cell phone and know it’s them. You’re going to need friends, and they are going to need you. Help your spouse to develop his or her own friendships. You can’t force your spouse to have friends, but if you offer to take care of the children at night so that he or she has some time for relationships, it can encourage him or her to have friends.

Agree to have some couple friends. This can be a great blessing for marriage. It will be fun for each of you, and it will be great for your children to see the two of you having fun with other couples.