New Delhi, June 18 -- A 35-year-old female client tells me, "It's 11 years into our marriage and for the longest time I said that my husband is my best friend. While we are on good terms, I think the problem is that for years we focused so much on each other that in the process, we distanced ourselves from our close friends."

She says over the years the couple have grown in different ways and there is a void. "I love my husband, but there are pursuits and conversations that no longer interest him. I want to start working on nurturing my friendships."

This is a concern that often shows up in therapy sessions. Clients across age groups speak about this-some mention it in the context of how they need separate friends from the couple friend...