Friendships are undeniably important to an individual’s health, longevity and wellbeing, but they can be equally important for the health and happiness of a couple. Just as a friend can provide a mirror to the self, another couple can provide a reflecting team that supports or impedes a relationship’s growth. Two Plus Two: Couples and Their Couple Friendships offers an important framework for helping couples to have conversations about their friendships with other couples and to enrich their own relationships.
Key Features
- In-depth exploration of couple friendships.
- Based on interviews with more than 400 people.
- Identifies three general categories of making couple friendships: Seekers, Keepers, and Nesters.
- Insights into different styles of interaction observed in couples.
- Illustrative readings from interviews defining key characteristics.
Additional Information
When couples agree about how to spend their time alone and with others, they are more likely to have a happy marriage or relationship. Couple friendships have not been researched previously, despite their numerous benefits. Drs. Greif and Deal discuss their research findings and provide a fresh understanding for couples at any stage of their relationship on how to seek, foster and sustain positive, healthy friendships.
