The Importance of Friendship Before Dating
Before diving into the world of dating, have you ever considered being friends first? Most people believe that when it comes to dating, diving straight into a romantic relationship is the only way to go.
While this may be true for some, building a friendship before dating has its own set of advantages that are hard to ignore. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of friendship before dating and why it might be the best course of action.
Benefits of Being Friends First
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When you’re friends with someone, there are no expectations or pressures to impress each other. It allows both parties to get to know each other without any pressure or romantic undertones.
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You can just be yourself and get to know the other person on a genuine level. In a friendship, both parties have the freedom to date other people without any obligations to each other.
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This can be really beneficial for discovering your own preferences and priorities in a partner. It also gives you time to evaluate the relationship and decide if it’s worth pursuing romantically.
Dating Other People During Friendship
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of being friends before dating is that both parties have the freedom to date whomever they please. When there’s no pressure to commit, there’s no sense of obligation or accountability towards the other person.
In other words, being friends lets you have the freedom to date without any strings attached.
Forming a Genuine Bond
Lastly, building a genuine friendship before dating can lead to a successful relationship development. When you formed a friendship, both parties know how to treat each other well, even during the span of being just friends.
This knowledge lays a solid foundation for a future romantic relationship.
Coping with Let’s Just be Friends
Sometimes, after going on a date, one party might not be interested in pursuing a romantic relationship, and they’ll instead suggest being friends.
At first, it might sound like a letdown, but accepting the offer of friendship could turn out to be a great thing. Below are some benefits of becoming platonic friends:
Getting to Know the Real Person
When dating, both parties tend to present a perfect version of themselves. But with platonic friendship, these facades are stripped, and the real person becomes visible.
You get to understand the other person on a deeper level, without any pressure or expectations.
No Pressure
In a platonic friendship, no obligations or pressure to impress the other. You can just be yourself, and there is no expectation for a romantic relationship, which makes the friendship devoid of any pressure.
Free to Date Others
Being just friends means that there’s no exclusivity. This lets you date other people without feeling guilty or unfaithful to your friend.
Comparing Platonic and Romantic Relationships
It’s common to hear people say that friendships will never be as great as a romantic relationship, but that’s not true. In fact, strong platonic friendships have several benefits, such as long-term benefits.
Laying a Groundwork
A platonic friendship lays the groundwork for a potential long-term relationship. If the friendship is built on mutual respect and understanding, a romantic relationship is easier to establish as it relies on the trust you’ve already established with each other.
Conclusion
So, there it is – the importance of friendship before dating and coping with being just friends. Both parties reap the benefits of friendship such as getting to know each other without any pressure, no obligations, freedom, evaluating the relationship, and forming a genuine bond.
It’s essential never to underestimate the value of platonic friendships and use the time to truly get to know the other person before diving into a romantic relationship.
About the Author and her Expertise
Dr. LaWanda N. Evans is a renowned Licensed Professional Counselor and relationship expert who has dedicated her life to helping women overcome their relationship patterns.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Evans has worked with hundreds of couples and individuals to build stronger and healthier relationships. Dr. Evans is also the author of the book “20 Pearls of Wisdom for After I Do: What They Didn’t Tell You.” This book is a post-wedding counseling guide that offers practical solutions to common problems faced by couples in their married life.
20 Pearls of Wisdom for After I Do: What They Didn’t Tell You
Dr. Evans’ book, “20 Pearls of Wisdom for After I Do: What They Didn’t Tell You,” is a must-read for newly married couples struggling with their marriage life. This book offers practical solutions and advice to common problems faced by couples after their wedding day.
The book covers topics such as preventing affairs, managing finances, and navigating communication issues. It provides couples with the necessary tools to keep their marriage strong and healthy.
One of the most significant benefits of reading “20 Pearls of Wisdom for After I Do” is that it encourages couples to seek post-wedding counseling. Post-wedding counseling can help couples identify and solve problems before they escalate and lead to divorce.
By seeking counseling, couples can avoid common pitfalls and learn to communicate better, which can lead to greater intimacy and a stronger bond.
Top 3 Ways Men Can Cope with “I Want a Divorce”
Going through a divorce can be a challenging and emotional time for both parties, but it can be especially difficult for men.
Men often feel a sense of rejection and loss of identity when their marriage ends. It’s important to recognize that men can get through this challenging time by using certain coping mechanisms.
1. Express Your Emotions
It’s essential to express your emotions and not try to hold them in.
Men tend to bottle up their emotions, but this can lead to a build-up of stress, anxiety, and depression. Finding an outlet to express your emotions, such as talking to a therapist or trusted friend, can help you cope.
2. Stay Active
Exercise is a great way to cope with stress and can help boost your mood.
Whether it’s going for a run, hiking, or practicing yoga, staying active can help you manage your emotions and physical health during a difficult time. 3.
Seek Support
Divorce can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help you feel less alone and give you the encouragement you need to move forward.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. In conclusion, Dr. LaWanda N.
Evans is a Licensed Professional Counselor and relationship expert who has dedicated her life to helping women overcome their relationship patterns. Her book, “20 Pearls of Wisdom for After I Do: What They Didn’t Tell You,” is a post-wedding counseling guide that offers practical solutions to common problems faced by couples in their married life.
For men coping with divorce, it’s important to express your emotions, stay active, and seek support. Remember, getting through a divorce takes time, but with the right tools and support, you can come out stronger.
In conclusion, there are multiple benefits to building a friendship before entering into a romantic relationship. By being friends first, both parties do not feel pressured and can get to know each other on a deeper, more genuine level.
Additionally, accepting the offer of friendship after a failed romantic pursuit offers both parties the opportunity to evaluate their relationship, and provides a chance to get to know the real person behind the stage facade. Men who face a devastating divorce can seek support and practice self-care activities to cope and move forward.
With the right tools and support, it is possible for relationships and individuals to thrive.
