FRIENDSHIP: SPOKES ON THE WHEEL
Marriage is like the hub of a wheel.
It provides a point of strength, and as such should provide each spouse with an assurance of total acceptance.
In marriage, we find a haven from others’ rejection and disapproval.
But God never intended for a husband or a wife to bear the total responsibility for building self-esteem in a spouse!
That would be an enormous weight for one person to carry.
Instead, both partners need to reach out from the hub and extend spokes of friendship to strengthen each of them.
These spokes do not threaten the security and strength of the hub.
Instead, the presence of a few stout and loyal friends enhances and strengthens the marriage.
You may be thinking, My mate and I like each other–we don’t need anyone else.
But no matter how good a marriage you have, you still need friends.
A married couple with no outside friends will be unable to achieve a healthy, balanced relationship.
Mature believers recognize their need for friends outside the marriage–close confidants with whom they can be real, unaffected, and natural.
NOTE: Daily there is a new post to help your marriage be a success.
LOVE YOUR SPOUSE 
Yes, I agree we need to build relationships outside our marriage. Recently my spouse came back home to Christ. He was away for over 15 yrs. I had a dream that we were Batman & Robin and we were fighting demons. I shared this with him and we laughed and discussed how we are now on the winning team together.
I have a few close friends and who have been encouragers through the faith and just fun to be with and laugh. My spouse is starting to build friendships and eventually I know
he will have a few good friends. Having my relationships with outsiders ( Christians) from my marriage was vital, especially when I was married to a backslider.
Hi Delia! These friends need to be people that you do not confide things that are confident between you and your husband. Also, make sure that in your conversations, you are not putting your spouse or anyone else down. Remember 1Corinthians 13.