Let me ask you this: How many friends do you have that you can text and say, “I just won!”? Not the friends you call when life’s falling apart—those friends are essential, too—but the ones who cheer for you when you’re thriving, celebrating your victories as if they were their own.
Think about it. You might have a list of 10 people you’d turn to during a crisis. But when it comes to sharing your big wins—an exciting promotion, a dream vacation, or even the joy of a new family tradition like a baby naming ceremony—that list gets smaller. Maybe three or four people make the cut.
The truth is, being a great friend isn’t just about being there for the tough moments. It’s about showing up for the good times, too. And when it comes to marriage, fostering those kinds of friendships as a couple is just as important.
Amy and Brad’s Story: A Lesson in True Friendship
Amy and Brad, a couple whose Jewish wedding in Toronto I had the honor of officiating, learned this lesson in a powerful way. As part of their wedding planning, they realized how much their closest friends meant to them—not just those who supported them during challenges, but the ones who celebrated their milestones.
During the months leading up to their Jewish wedding ceremony, Amy and Brad faced the usual stresses of wedding planning: choosing the perfect Jewish wedding venue, finalizing details for their Jewish wedding chuppah, and selecting meaningful Jewish wedding traditions to include in their day. Through it all, they noticed something remarkable: while some friends were supportive, others seemed distant or even dismissive of their excitement.
Amy shared with me, “It felt strange. I expected everyone to be happy for us, but some people just couldn’t be.” That’s when I reminded them, “True friends don’t just show up in hard times. They cheer the loudest when you’re winning. Those are the relationships worth nurturing.”
This realization shaped their approach to their wedding day. They focused on inviting friends who uplifted them, people who genuinely wanted to celebrate their union. On the day of their Jewish wedding celebrations, surrounded by those who truly cared, Amy and Brad felt more supported than ever.
Why Cheering for Others Matters
Celebrating someone else’s success is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It says, “I see you, I value you, and I’m happy for you.” But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. Sometimes envy or comparison creeps in, especially when social media makes it so easy to compare your life to others’.
This is especially true for couples navigating milestones like weddings, baby naming ceremonies, or anniversaries. It’s easy to look at another couple’s modern Jewish wedding or dream vacation and feel a pang of jealousy. But shifting your perspective from comparison to celebration can strengthen your relationships and your marriage.
How to Cultivate a Supportive Circle
Building a network of friends who genuinely celebrate your wins takes intentional effort. Here are a few tips to help:
1. Identify Your Cheerleaders
Pay attention to who consistently shows up for your good times. These are your cheerleaders—the ones who will celebrate your milestones, from your Jewish wedding ketubah signing to the birth of your first child.
2. Be That Friend for Others
Want to attract supportive friends? Be one yourself. When someone you know achieves something wonderful, take the time to acknowledge it. A heartfelt message, a small gift, or even showing up to their baby naming ceremony Jewish celebration can make a big difference.
3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to have a few close friends who uplift you than a large circle of acquaintances who don’t. Just like Amy and Brad focused on inviting those who mattered most to their traditional Jewish wedding, prioritize meaningful connections in your life.
4. Communicate with Your Partner
In marriage, it’s crucial to discuss the relationships that matter most to you as a couple. Whether it’s deciding who to invite to your Jewish wedding reception or who to spend your holidays with, being on the same page can strengthen your bond.
The Role of Celebration in Marriage
Marriage is about partnership, and part of that is celebrating each other’s wins. At Amy and Brad’s Jewish wedding in Toronto, I saw firsthand how their relationship thrived because of their ability to lift each other up.
Brad shared during his vows, “Amy, you’re my greatest cheerleader. You celebrate every success like it’s your own, and that means more to me than you’ll ever know.” That sentiment is the foundation of a strong marriage.
Whether it’s a small victory like a work promotion or a major milestone like welcoming a child with a Jewish newborn ceremony, taking the time to celebrate together deepens your connection.
Applying the Lesson in Your Own Life
As you think about your circle of friends, ask yourself these questions:• Who’s in your corner, cheering for your wins?• Are you that person for someone else?• How can you and your partner nurture relationships with people who uplift you both?
Amy and Brad’s story is a reminder that surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference—not just in your wedding planning but in every stage of life.
Final Thoughts
Building a circle of supportive friends isn’t just about improving your social life. It’s about creating a community that uplifts you and strengthens your marriage.
At CoolCantor, I often tell my students—and their families—that celebrating others is one of the most powerful ways to build meaningful relationships. Whether it’s preparing for a Bar Mitzvah, planning a baby naming ceremony, or simply sharing life’s victories, surrounding yourself with the right people will bring joy and connection to every moment.
Ready to celebrate your wins and build lasting connections? Whether it’s through our Online Bar Mitzvah Lessons or sharing your story with loved ones, let’s create a world where cheering for each other isn’t the exception—it’s the norm.
Let’s keep celebrating together. And if you’re planning a milestone event like a Jewish wedding ceremony or baby naming celebration, reach out to learn how I can help make it unforgettable. Because life is better when we lift each other up.
Comments