What’s in a label? Exploring the intersection of relationships with best friends and romantic partners with well-being

Abstract

While romantic relationships are often perceived as a significant milestone, there is increasing evidence of the value of friends within one’s network. The present study explored an often-overlooked intersection between romantic relationships and friendships: people who view their romantic partner as their best friend. Utilizing the convoy model of social relations, this study drew from a sample of adult Americans (N = 940) surveyed about their friendships. We examined characteristics of those who label their romantic partner as a best friend, as well as implications for well-being in doing so. Notably, age, income, and relationship type emerged as significant predictors of labeling one’s romantic partner as a best friend, suggesting an interplay between demographic and socioeconomic factors and relationship dynamics. In terms of friendship quality, those who identified their romantic partner as their best friend reported a closer relationship and greater routine interaction compared to those with a non-romantic best friend. No significant differences were found for romantic relationship quality for those indicating their partner is a “best friend” compared to a “friend”. In terms of well-being, participants with a romantic partner as their best friend reported greater levels of companionship, whereas participants with a non-romantic partner best friend reported greater levels of social support. Overall, our findings underscore the need to consider the nuanced role of romantic partners in fulfilling friendship needs and the potential benefits of maintaining a separate best friend for well-being. Recognizing the overlap between romantic and friendship dynamics offers a comprehensive understanding of individuals’ relational experiences.