How to transition from best friends to dating
25-Aug-2020 20:40
Relationships are complicated in and of themselves, but when it comes to turning a friendship into a romance, the transition can be especially tricky.With your feelings, and of course, a friendship at stake, dating a friend you've known for years can be the best — and most terrifying — thing ever.
This is a really strong foundation for a romantic relationship.Needless to say, the deciding factor is whether or not your feelings are returned, and whether you gain a significant other or lose a close confidant.But while the future may be uncertain, experts say that there is a way to cross the line cautiously so as not to catch your crush off-guard and, at the very least, preserve your friendship if the attraction isn't mutual."It may sound a bit cold, but with so much at stake, running a cost/benefit analysis on your potential romantic involvement with a friend before you confess your feelings can be really helpful."She continues, "If you do decide to go ahead and pursue romance with a friend, it's very important to not get too attached to a positive outcome.
You may get lucky and find out that your friend reciprocates your romantic feelings; but it's just as likely that he or she isn't interested in anything beyond friendship."Of course, it's helpful if you have an inclination whether your friend has feelings for you, too. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist and couples and sex therapist on faculty at NYU Langone (@doctorsuevarma on social media), warns that some signs are up for interpretation.Ahead, you'll hear from therapists who dish on the challenges and triumphs that can come with dating a friend, as well as one woman who tried it, herself (spoiler: It didn't work out in the long run).