Mr Best Friend

I am in the middle of a big run of friends' weddings, baby births and all other sorts of celebrations of happy events. And I'm happy for them...although if I'm honest there is always a twinge of 'why not me?' at some point during the celebrations. Last night at a beautiful wedding in a marquee in the middle of the botanic gardens that twinge moment occurred during the bride's incredible and articulate speech. She described herself as being so proud to marry her husband who is also her best friend.

This is one of many friends' wedding speeches I've recently heard which emphasises how important friendship is to a marriage. How long do you have to have been friends for before you become something else? The doesn't appear to be a standard answer to this question and I've had friends get engaged after 4 weeks and even 8 months.  Last nights couple were together for 8 years - a fact not missed by the father of the bride in his speech....!

It heartens me to think I am yet to meet my best friend for life. Or maybe he's already a friend...although when reflecting on my current male friendship group he wasn't jumping out of the lineup..!

I still have ideas of passion and chemistry being involved when I meet him or when our existing friendship translates to something more serious but I'm realistic about how those things can fade quickly and that friendship is the strongest unifying element in the end.

But it would be a bonus if, romantic and happy ending permitting, Mr Best Friend knew when he met me that I was the one for him and we didn't have to be friends for too long...Just like that line from Pat in Silver Linings Playbook "...I love you. I knew it the moment I met you. I'm sorry it took me so long to catch up. I just got stuck."

Mr Best Friend, I hope we don't take too long to catch up.