Is Dating Your Best Friend Worth It?
Posted by Luulla Admin
Tuesday 18 Apr 2017
Posted by Luulla Admin
Tuesday 18 Apr 2017
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A trusty and genuine other half can often become your best friend. However, what if you were already great friends from the beginning? Will it be easier for both of you to develop feelings for each other? And you can have the best of both worlds: friendship and romance. Or will it be awkward and confusing? Hence, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before taking the leap as friendships don't come easy and making the move out of the friend-zone can have its circumstances.
Without further ado let's go straight to the topic!
The pros of dating your best friend
1. You know everything about each other
If the person you're developing feelings for is your best friend, both of you probably know everything about each other. You both know each other favorite color, food, understand personal views of the future. Most important thing is you both already familiar with each other good and bad side, which is totally a plus point! Let's face it, during the first few months of dating someone new, it's easy to hold yourself together and pretend like you don't have a dark side (everybody has one). However, if you're dating your best friend, there's no need to downplay your insecurities.
2. You're comfortable with each other
If you're dating someone new, it takes a few weeks to feel completely at ease. You require lots of efforts to make sure there's no awkward silence during your dates (there's nothing worse than starting a relationship with someone you like, only to find out that you don't have anything to talk about). When dating someone who started out as a friend, you can skip the neurotic "I need to impress him" phase. He's probably seen you under-dressed a billion times, and likes you just the same.
3. You're more or less aware of each other's relationship history
Unless you two met each other and bonded instantly, he's probably seen or at least heard about your dating disasters of the past. You'll probably have an inkling of an idea about why his past relationships didn't work out. That way, both of you will have a sense of each other's relationships styles and issues and will be better prepared to deal with potential conflicts. Another plus point is you get to avoid the awkwardness, upsets or even jealousy when you discuss you partner's dating history as most likely you had that discussion with your best friend without the implication of being in a relationship.
4. You two have a tone in common
Obviously there's a shared interest or two which make both of you be great friends in the first place. Or, maybe it was a mutual friend who brought you together. Whatever it is, you know that a lot of your interests are aligned and dates won't be as hard to plan. If both of you are psyched about the outdoors, go for jungle trekking. Trust me, there's always something to talk about, you won't feel bored when you're around him.
5. You might have already met each other family
Meeting parents can be extremely stressful, but if this guy has hung around you enough, he's already familiar with your mom and dad. And unless your parents ever pulled you aside with advice like, "I don't like this kid!" he already gets the parental seal of approval. In fact, if you mention the relationship to your family, you'll probably get the response of "Finally!" or even "So, when will we have grand-kids? (evil grin)
The cons of dating your best friend
1. Are you willing to take the risk of losing a valuable friendship?
This is one of the obvious risks and concerns when anyone considers dating a good friend. If all goes well, the two of you can continue the friendship while also pursuing a romantic relationship together. However, what if it doesn't last? You might lose a partner as well as your best friend. All you have to decide is whether sacrificing your friendship is a risk that you are willing to take. If the connection is mutual and you both feel like taking the step, the relationship could be amazing and could even turn into marriage.
2. It can be weird for your mutual friends
It's always kind of weird when two people within a friend group start dating. As your mutual friends might be affected if the relationship doesn't go according to plan. However, if you're convinced that one of your friends is the right person for you, it can sometimes be worth the risk. Even though it may be weird for them at first, they will quickly get used to it. Sometimes, it may even encourage others to take the leap from BFF to SO as well!
3. Who will fulfill the old role?
The issue with turning your great friend into your partner is that you can't vent to your SO about them, so you'll eventually need to find a new best friend. However, making best friends can be difficult, it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and introduce yourself. So is there someone else who can fit that role, a person who you can vent your relationship issues, a person who can give you advice.
4. Are you attracted by the unknown?
Yes, you'll bypass the awkward getting-to-know-you stage if you date your best friend.However, you will be missing out on discovering a new person, their personality and their interests could prove to be a little boring for you. You have to decide how important the excitement of the first stages of a relationship is for you.
5. It won't be the same as before, and never will be again
Before you decide to take your friendship to a whole new level, you have to accept the fact that the friendship will not be the same as it was and probably never will be again. When you involve yourself romantically with someone, a different type of friendship will evolve.
xoxo
Of course confessing romantic feelings to your best friend and taking your relationship to the next level will have pros and cons. Hence, it is all up to you to decide if that particular friend is worth losing, because who knows how the future is going to be like. If you're ready to take the leap, there are many successful relationships do blossom from friendships, just like Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher!
