Column: You think your friend would be better to live with because you have never done so
It feels wrong to bring this up during the most romantic month but most people would rather live with their best friend than their partner. It’s 55 percent who say their life would be better if they lived with their best mate, says writer and comedian Steve N Allen.
That shows most people don’t think their partner is their best friend despite what Valentine’s and anniversary cards may claim on your behalf. It’s obvious really. Your best friend has probably known you through several relationships.
The survey found that 22 percent say their best friend knows them better than their partner and 66 percent say their friend knows an average of four secrets their partner does not.
That’s because those secrets are probably about your partner. You don’t need your partner to never tell your best friend what you got up to on your stag weekend or girls’ holiday to Ibiza.
Beyond that it’s rather sad that so many people are living with one person but pining for someone else. You only live with your partner because society tells you to do it that way. If we normalised living with your friend instead it would make your partner raise their game.
They should know they’re competing with someone you really like.
From the survey 48 percent thought they would laugh more living with a friend and 43 percent believed they would enjoy better conversations. I’m guessing many thought the amount of sex would stay roughly the same but they probably didn’t mention that to the surveyors.
The factor we’re missing here is that it might be the case of the grass being greener. You think your friend would be better to live with probably because you have never done so.
Everyone is annoying to live with. My current missus has a terrible habit of leaving pots of creams and powders around the edge of the bathroom sink. It’s a trap. If I knock one off or let water from the tap splash into it I’ll be the one in trouble. It’s bothersome but she has allowed me to sire two offspring, so I put up with it. My mate Dave can’t boast that.
It wouldn’t take long living with your best mate before you’d be sick of them leaving the milk out.
My favourite thing about this news story is that the research was commissioned by a UK flower delivery firm. They asked the question, “Would you rather live with your friend than your partner,” and if your partner has heard your answer, you’ll be buying them flowers to make up for it.
It’s perfect marketing.