Are You Dating Your Best Friend?
Are you dating your best friend? Congratulations! You’ve found someone you trust, respect, and admire.
But what happens next? Is it all sunshine and rainbows, or are there risks involved in taking your friendship to the next level?
Let’s take a closer look.
Signs You’re Dating Your Best Friend
First, let’s establish whether you and your best friend are actually dating.
Here are some common signs:
- Friends and Family Ask if You’re a Couple: Do your loved ones keep asking if you’re together? That’s a good indicator that there’s a romantic status involved.
- Communication is Otherworldly: You and your best friend seem to have your own language, a shorthand that no one else can understand.
- They are Automatically Your +1: Whenever you have an event or make plans, your best friend is always included. You’re a package deal.
- You’ve Become the Green-Eyed Monster: When your best friend talks about an attractive stranger, suddenly you feel jealous and possessive.
- You Talk All Day Long: Whether it’s texting, calling, or messaging on social media, you and your best friend are in constant communication.
- You Have Fights That Feel Like Breakups: When you argue, it feels like the end of the world. You can’t imagine life without this person by your side.
- You Have No Secrets from Each Other: You can tell your best friend anything, and they won’t judge you. There’s a deep level of trust and comfort there.
- You Spend More Time with Them than Anyone Else: You’re always hanging out, whether it’s on weekends or after work. You’re practically ride or die.
- You Had to Find a New Label: You used to be just friends, but now you’re something more. You’re not sure what to call it, but it feels significant.
- You Aren’t Interested in Dating: You’re no longer interested in pursuing romantic partners outside of your best friend. They’re all you need.
- You Think About Your Bestie Way More Than Your Other Friends: They’re always on your mind, and you never get tired of talking to them.
- Best Friends and Lovers: You’ve heard the term “life partner” before, but now it feels like it has a whole new meaning. You see your best friend as a romantic partner, not just a friend.
- You’ve Been Intimate Before: Whether it was a drunken hookup or a deliberate decision, you and your best friend have crossed that line before.
If you said yes to several of these signs, there’s a good chance you’re dating your best friend.
But what does that mean for your relationship?
Risks and Benefits of Dating Your Best Friend
There are both rewards and risks involved in dating your best friend. Here are a few to consider:
Benefits:
- You already have a strong foundation of trust and communication.
- You know each other’s quirks, likes, and dislikes.
- You have shared experiences and memories that bond you.
- You have a built-in support system for when things get tough.
- You can be your true self around each other, without worrying about impressing anyone.
- You have a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other than most couples.
Risks:
- If the relationship ends, you could lose your best friend as well as your romantic partner.
- You might feel like you’re leading on or hurting your best friend if the romantic feelings aren’t reciprocated.
- People might assume that you were never just friends, which could be annoying or uncomfortable.
- You might struggle with jealousy, possessiveness, or insecurity if your best friend spends time with other people.
- If you break up, it could put a strain on your other friendships.
Caution in Dating Your Best Friend
If you’ve decided to pursue a romantic relationship with your best friend, it’s important to approach it with caution and care. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Communicate openly about your feelings, expectations, and boundaries.
- Make sure you’re both on the same page about the nature of your relationship.
- Don’t rush into anything. Take things slow and see how they develop.
- Be prepared for things to feel different. Dating your best friend will inevitably change the dynamic of your friendship.
- Respect your best friend’s boundaries and feelings. Don’t pressure them into anything they’re not comfortable with.
- Be mindful of how your relationship might affect your other friendships. Make sure to spend time with your other friends and maintain those relationships.
Sexy Benefits of Falling in Love with Your Best Pal
On the other hand, there are some pretty sexy benefits to falling in love with your best pal. Here are a few to tantalize you:
- You already know what turns each other on.
- You’re comfortable with each other’s bodies.
- You can explore new things together without feeling self-conscious.
- You know each other’s sexual history, so there are no surprises or secrets.
- You can be more adventurous because you trust each other.
- You don’t have to worry about impressing each other because you already know each other so well.
When to Dial it Back
Of course, falling in love with your best friend isn’t always a fairy tale ending. Sometimes things just don’t work out, or the timing isn’t right.
Here are some signs that it might be time to dial it back:
- You’re not on the same page about the nature of your relationship.
- You’re not getting what you need emotionally or physically from the relationship.
- You’re constantly fighting or feeling unhappy.
- You’re neglecting your other friendships or interests.
- Your best friend is pressuring you into something you’re not comfortable with.
- You’re leading each other on and not being honest about your feelings.
Ultimately, whether or not to date your best friend is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances. Just remember to communicate openly and respectfully, approach the relationship with caution, and be prepared for both the risks and rewards that come with taking such a big step.
Good luck, and may the power of friendship (and love) be with you!
In conclusion, dating your best friend can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. By examining the signs that indicate you’re dating your best friend and weighing the benefits and the risks, you’ll be able to determine whether or not taking things to the next level is the right decision for you.
Ultimately, no matter what you decide, it’s essential to approach the situation with caution, communicate clearly and openly, and be prepared for the changes that a romantic relationship with your best friend can bring. By following these guidelines, you may find that your best friend truly is your perfect match.
