Dating someone that you’ve been friends with can be tricky. Even though it might seem that it should be easy, relationships themselves can be hard. If you date a friend, chances are that it can be the best thing, but it can also be a bad mistake.
Connecting romantically with a friend might seem like a common thing but it is not as easy as people think. There are many things that you need to consider before you ever cross any lines. First, they might not decide that they love you back and if they don’t then you risk losing your best friend. On the other hand, if they do love you back, going from friendship to relationship needs to be thought long and hard on before making the move.
Some people think that dating a friend can be a good thing, but it can also be something that is full of risks. If you are thinking about pursuing a relationship with your friend, here’s some things to think about first!
Know the Possible Outcomes
Before you ever tell your friend that you love them, think things through. Know that they might decide that they don’t feel the same. Or, if you do go for it, sometimes the friendship will end if the relationship doesn’t work out.
Signs They Like You
If you do have feelings deeper than friendship, you need to find out if they like you back in the same way. See if there is any kind of mutual attraction. Try to figure out what they are feeling before you ever move forward. Here are some signs that they like you back:
- They share intimate things about themselves.
- They ask the meet your family and friends.
- The try to spend more time with you than before.
- They want to spend time with you outside of a group.
- They get jealous of your attention.
- They flirt or make comments about how good you look.
- They touch you, get close to you and use their body language to show they are interested.
Don’t Pressure Them
One thing is that telling your friend that you like them might surprise them. You need to let them know that even if they don’t like you back that you still want to stay friends with them and you don’t want to lose the friendship.
If they need to have time to think this over, give them time and don’t be upset with them even if they tell you no.
What if They Say No?
If they say no, this can be hurtful but make sure that you have words planned to say if this happens. Talk about staying with friends and about how you have respect for them no matter what.
What Can Go Wrong?
There are going to be challenges in any relationship but when you are friends with someone first, the challenges can have more problems along the way. Being good friends can make you have all kinds of feelings for each other, but you need to be sure that there is attraction.
It is important that both of you have the same desires for each other and if they aren’t there then you need to end it before you end up hurting each other.
Breaking up isn’t easy with someone and it can be even harder when you have to break up with your friend. Not only will this cause there to be many more feelings, but it can also cause a lot of hurt. If you have to tell someone that is your friend that you just don’t love them like that, it can be devastating for them and for the friendship.
It is possible to stay friends even if you aren’t in a relationship, but you have to really work at making things okay. And then you have to consider how you’re going to feel if your friend breaks up with you and then decides to date someone else. It can be really painful for you to watch this happen.
What Can Go Right?
Of course, if the relationship can work out in the long-term, you can have your happily ever after with your best friend. Going from a friend to a romance can have many great benefits if it ends up working out.
You both already know everything about each other, and you know your good parts and the bad. It will be important to learn new things about each other and to get to know each other beyond the friendship and as lovers.
The article rightly points out the potential for deeper connections and understanding in a romantic relationship with a friend. However, the risks should not be underestimated.
The article raises valid points on the intricacies of transitioning from friendship to a romantic relationship. The potential for both great outcomes and significant risks is evident.
This piece provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics involved in dating a friend. The advice on signs of mutual attraction is particularly insightful.
It’s important to consider the consequences of revealing romantic feelings to a friend. The loss of a friendship due to unreciprocated feelings can be quite painful.
The emphasis on communication and setting expectations is crucial. It’s essential to respect the friend’s response and give them time to process their feelings.