Psychology Professor reveals Key to Lasting Happiness: Friendship in Relationships
Barcelona, Spain – A leading happiness researcher, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Professor of Psychology at teh University of California, has shared insights into the enduring power of friendship within romantic relationships, arguing it’s a cornerstone of true and lasting happiness. In a recent post shared across her social media channels, Lyubomirsky highlighted research demonstrating the profound benefits of viewing a spouse as a best friend.
Lyubomirsky cites a study published in the Journal of happiness Studies which found that the positive impact of marriage on well-being is substantially greater for couples who also identify as each other’s closest companion. “Being rooted in friendship is the reason why company creates true happiness,” she wrote. “Passionate love, based on attraction, rarely lasts beyond the novelty stage. Company love, however, prospers in familiarity and shared life.” She explains that best friends derive enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning simply from each other’s company, and actively help each other thrive.
The professor illustrated this point with a deeply personal story about her own 33-year marriage. Lyubomirsky recounted meeting her wife on a one-week trip to Europe,specifically in Spain,despite a language barrier and having onyl been on a couple of dates. At just 24 years old,she promptly recognized the potential for a lifelong connection. “I told my fun father, ‘I think I’ve met my future wife,'” she recalled. “he had no idea I was planning to marry her.”
Driven by this conviction, Lyubomirsky made a meaningful life change. Within a year, after two brief visits, she left her job in New York and relocated to Barcelona to learn Spanish, fully committing to building a life with her partner.”After 33 years of marriage, I can say with certainty that being married to my wife, my best friend, has been the greatest source of happiness in my life,” she stated.
Lyubomirsky’s work builds on decades of research into the science of happiness. She is the author of The How of Happiness, a bestselling book exploring practical strategies for increasing well-being. Her emphasis on the importance of social connection, particularly within intimate relationships, offers a powerful message: cultivating a deep friendship with your partner is not just a component of a happy marriage, but possibly the most important one.
