Should women have best friends other than spouse?

[LiveLifeMoment]

I read Dear Abby column regularly. Sometimes they are thought provoking. This was a letter from woman who was advised by Abbie to seek friendship as women outlive their men. I didn't like that advice. Is it only because women outlive or because women want it. What do you think ?

I have been happily married to my husband for 20 years. My problem is my children want me to make friends. My husband is my best friend. I don't feel the need to go on "girls' nights out" or anything else. I'm happy just to be with him.

I'm not anti-social, just content. Besides, I have seen what can happen to relationships when these kinds of outings go too far. I don't want to offend my kids because they have only my best interests at heart, but I'm tired of the pressure. How can I get my adult children to leave my personal life alone and stop trying to get me to make friends?

[bollywoodmania]

Women usually start reducing their friend's circle after marriage/kids and other family responsibilities. But the letter by woman sounded unusual as even if your spouse is your best friend, you would want one or two close friends to share the stuff that only women can understand.

Recently there was a big politics with one of the family friends I knew. I came and shared it with my spouse and all I got was a shrug and 'I don't care look'. Though I didn't expect him to gossip with me, I expected more reaction than that. I forgot that incident in few days but before I forgot I shared it with one of my girlfriends and she was really good in suggesting me to get over the politics and more encouragement on concentrating on right things etc etc. That is the difference between men and women and we need women to understand our POV.

[dambodambo]

I want my wife to have as many best friends(girls or men) she want to have so she will leave me alone to watch sports and other stuff in youtube : )

Other day, she came and started conversation on one of my sisters on a misunderstanding that happened some zillion years ago. I would not remember whether I watched Katrina or Deepika after 5 minutes of watching, how should I respond if she brings up some episode that even she has trouble remembering the details ;D

Girlz/Ladijh, have as many gal pals you want to have and leave your spouses alone for some entertainment !

[suhasini]

One should be very lucky to find a best friend in a spouse. I don't think that is ever possible in our arranged marriage environment. We will have to depend on our friends for support system and to vent when the pressure builds up.

There are few things that even if the husband understands, will not accept it for the fear that he may be worsening things or for the fear that he may be seen as hen-pecked and going against his mom. It just makes things worse for me. So, I would rather vent with my girlfriends and have them nod & acknowledge my pain - that is more of a relief, even if it doesnt help the issue.

[tara]

If husband and wife don;t share the same interest that they can enjoy on day to day life, I strongly suggest women to have a best friend other than spouse. Same rule apply for husband too though.