I love my girlfriends. There’s nothing better than having true friends who support you no matter what, love you despite your flaws and celebrate life’s happiest moments with you. I am blessed in this way because I have friends who actually add to my life. In addition to being great friends to me, they also champion for and love my family as a whole, my marriage included. My girls understand the value of marriage. I always state that marriages need a village of support and true friends definitely live in that village.

As a married woman, I am finding there are quite a few benefits for my marriage that come along with being part of a great sisterhood. While it seems natural for couples to surround themselves with other couples, we shouldn’t miss the opportunity that comes from real, honest, trustworthy sisterfriends. Here are a few of the ways my single friends are good for my marriage:

They support me. Genuine friends celebrate your marriage. I have girlfriends that encourage me in my union. Whether I’m right or wrong, they usually focus on what’s best for the marriage overall. It’s easy for someone to take the side of their friend, but it takes a true friend to call us out on our B.S. if it’s negatively impacting the relationship.

They make me want to try harder. In my single days, I was always more hopeful about marriage when there was a healthy marriage within reach. I believe the same is true for my girlfriends. They are watching my marriage and are hopeful when they see it prospering.

They serve as a great reminder to enjoy my marriage, date my husband and have some fun. I use to envy their freedom until I realized I can enjoy some of the same. Date nights, flirting with my husband and a little spontaneity keeps our marriage flame burning.

They help me remember to enjoy my life outside of marriage. Making time for my girlfriends, and having me time is important. I’m sure my husband appreciates his time alone with friends as well. A little time apart is good for the relationship.

They offer a fresh perspective to relationship challenges. My friends see the value in marriage, yet they have the insight on being single and dating. Their ability to be transparent in our conversations helps me shift my focus to what’s really important.

My marriage and family are my everything. I’m always searching for ways to communicate better, listen more effectively and simply show up as a better spouse more consistently. Being surrounded by family and friends who honor marriage and supports me is exactly what I need to stay focused on my relationship goals.

BMWK, what would you add to this list?