Search Results: hard time communicating

In relationship studies and psychology, couples frequently describe their significant other as also being their "best friend." Modern studies are beginning to disagree with that statement for various reasons.

Some reasons to turn it down are: that it's focused too much on heterosexual couples; that if it's true, then a "friendzone" situation should likely lead to something more; and that there are certain topics even some couples have a hard time communicating about (one I saw mentioned was a woman whose husband died from disease. She used to tell him her issues, but as he got worse, she didn't want to tell him that he was becoming her biggest issue).

Others still say that their partner is still their best friend. They can always hang out, talk about anything with each other, be as goofy and outgoing or conservative and isolated as they want, etc. without fear of rejection or belittlement.

So what does the rest of the community, male and female, think? Is a significant other also your best friend? Or not? Why do you think that they are or are not?