A strong friendship is an excellent base for a good romantic relationship. Be careful and considerate about how you approach dating your best friend since they play an important role in your life. Ease into the transition from being friends to lovers by communicating openly and taking things slow. As your relationship progresses, boost the romance to take things to the next level!
EditSteps
EditCommunicating Clearly
- State your interest simply if you are still just friends. If your friend doesn't know that you have a romantic interest in them, tell them in a straightforward but non-threatening way. Explain that you are attracted to them and want to pursue a romantic relationship with them. Make it clear that you will understand if they don't feel the same way but that you wanted to be honest about your feelings either way.[1]
- For instance, say, "I have strong feelings for you and want to be more than just friends, but I will totally understand if you aren't interested in taking things to the next level."
- An unrequited crush can put tension on a friendship over time, so it is good to be honest regardless of the outcome.
- Share your concerns with your best friend to maintain honesty. Moving from friendship to romance is a risk that may be challenging to take. Share any worries you have about losing your close relationship to see if they feel the same way. Ask if there are any other concerns about the situation that they have to get a clear understanding of what obstacles may be facing you both.[2]
- For example, say something like, "You're my best friend and I'm not sure if my romantic feelings for you are worth losing you entirely."
- Establish the boundaries of your new relationship to avoid misunderstandings. Communicate your romantic wants and needs clearly to your partner from the start. Avoid the assumption that they will intuitively know how what will be okay with you and make you happy. Be sure to outline any behaviour that you consider unacceptable from a romantic partner so they know how you want to be treated.[3]
- For instance, say something like, "I believe in monogamy and I can't tolerate cheating in a romantic relationship."
- Avoid making assumptions about what your partner wants. After transitioning from friendship to a relationship, you may think that you already know what your partner wants romantically. Always check with your partner to see what goals and desires they have as these these may change over time, and in different situations. If you catch yourself guessing what they might like, stop and ask them about it to double check. They will appreciate your effort and concern about their feelings.[4]
- For instance, if your partner noted in the past that they didn't want a co-dependent relationship, do not assume that they want you to keep your distance.
EditMoving Slowly
- Make sure that your motivations are pure and not temporary. Think about your current state of mind and life circumstances and ask yourself if your romantic feelings might be caused by these factors. Sometimes life events can cause people to seek comfort, stability, excitement, or validation from other people in our lives who they don't genuinely want to be with. Avoid pursuing a relationship with your best friend if you might be using them to feel better.[5]
- For instance, you may seek comfort and distraction in a romance with your best friend after a death in the family.
- Avoid getting physically intimate until you are sure of your chemistry. Take things slowly in your new relationship so that you can both figure out your feelings without distractions. Romantic touching and sexual contact can blur the lines of a relationship and confuse boundaries. Try to let your physical relationship evolve naturally out of genuine chemistry and affection.[6]
- Acting on physical urges too soon may make the situation awkward or increase the intensity of your relationship very quickly.
- Be consistent about your romantic advances to avoid confusion. Moving slowly is a good way of avoiding confusing hot-and-cold behaviour. Making a grand romantic move one week, then acting like a casual buddy the next will leave your friend unsure of your feelings. Take things slow and gradually build up to bigger gestures or commitments so you won't be overwhelmed by the situation.[7]
- For instance, don't show up to your friend's workplace with flowers one day and introduce them to colleagues as your "buddy" a few days later.
- Give each other space sometimes to avoid getting tired of each other. Taking things to the next level with your best friend can reinforce an already strong bond, making it tempting to spend all of your time with them. Take some time apart to pursue your own interests and to make sure that you get the chance to miss each other. This will make you appreciate each other even more while reducing the risk of becoming annoying to each other.[8]
- For example, take time to visit with other friends or spend some quiet time alone at home.
EditMaking Things More Romantic
- Start calling them nicknames that are flirty or affectionate. Casual nicknames that you call a friend may give them the impression that you are not interested in them. Instead, try to call them pet names that convey that you think they are special or attractive. This will help transition your relationship from friendship to love.[9]
- For instance, call them something like "sweetheart," "cutie," or "gorgeous."
- Avoid casual names like "buddy," "pal," or "dude."
- Put effort into impressing them despite your comfort with them. Friendship means a certain level of familiarity and comfort that may not scream "romance." Aim to impress them the same way you would try to win over a blind date or cute stranger. Add intrigue to the relationship to keep and increase their interest.[10]
- For instance, dress up for outings the same way you would for a romantic date with someone you are just getting to know.
- Pursue more romantic activities while you are together. A good way to shift your relationship from friendship to romance is to change your routine together. Spend time in situations or places you have never been in to create excitement. Avoid having "dates" that involve activities you did together as friends, such as playing video games or sports.[11]
- For example, go out for a romantic candlelit dinner or share a bottle of wine instead of ordering a pizza.
- Plan a romantic trip together to celebrate your love. While you may have done many activities together as friends, a shared getaway is a distinctly romantic thing to do. Plan a small vacation for you and your partner to spend some one-on-one time together. Whether it is a short road trip or a more elaborate getaway, the experience will bond you on a new level.[12]
- To avoid potential conflicts, start by going away for a few days at a time with your partner then build up to longer trips.
EditTips
- It might be easier to transition from friends to lovers if you keep this change from mutual friends and family until you are settled into the new relationship.
- Avoid over-romanticizing the situation because of books or movies that feature friends falling in love.
EditRelated wikiHows
- Be a Great Best Friend
- Get Your Best Friend Back
- Ask a Friend on a Date
- Hook Your Friend Up with Her Dream Date
EditSources and Citations
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