Richard Slatcher, a professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ psychology department, recently spoke with The Wall Street Journal about the benefits of having couple friends.
“Couple friends can help you to better appreciate your partner,” said Slatcher. Seeing other people enjoying your partner’s company, he said, can make you think: “My partner is pretty great.”
As people get older, it becomes harder to make new friends. Slatcher recommends to create opportunities to meet other couples. Joining a club or volunteer group can help people meet like-minded others. Hosting a dinner party or inviting another couple out to dinner could also help.
“Food always helps build relationships,” Slatcher said.
When building those relationships, it’s important to take up equal parts of the conversation, allowing everyone to speak and listen when necessary.
“One-sided relationships are usually ultimately doomed,” Slatcher said.