Relationships are like gardens – they need constant tending, nurturing, and a whole lot of TLC to truly blossom. Sure, the sexy stuff is great, but what keeps the spark alive in the long run? You guessed it: Good Old-Fashioned Friendship. It is a foundational element in any romantic relationship. It provides a bedrock of trust, understanding, and mutual respect that romantic love alone cannot sustain over the long term. When partners are friends, they are more likely to enjoy each other’s company, communicate openly, and resolve conflicts effectively.  After all, your partner is supposed to be your numero uno buddy, your day one, your ride-or-die. When the intoxicating lusty…