While starting a romantic relationship with your best friend may benefit you, there could be potential drawbacks to be aware of. PHOTO | WWW.FREEPIK.COM
Falling in love with your best friend sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood rom-com, right? One day, they are just your close buddy, and the next, you are catching feelings. Wild, isn’t it? But it happens more often than you would think.
The truth is, love has a funny way of sneaking up on us. We do not get to choose who we fall for, and sometimes, it just so happens to be the person who knows us best. While this could turn into something beautiful, it could also get messy.
I have never been in this situation and I pray that I never have to navigate it. Why? Because platonic friendships are rare gems, and once that line is crossed, there is no going back. The dynamic shifts and things can get complicated fast.
Of course, we all want to be with someone who truly understands us. And for many, “they should be my best friend” is high on the relationship checklist. But here is the catch; sometimes, we mistake familiarity for love. When we spend so much time around someone, especially in a close-knit circle, we start romanticising them, imagining scenarios that may not be real love but rather a form of comfort.
I am not saying it never works out. Some people transition from friends to lovers and build something truly special. But let us be honest; those cases are rare. More often than not, one person ends up with unreciprocated feelings, the friendship takes a hit, and suddenly, you are left with neither a relationship nor a friend.
Hollywood loves selling us the fantasy. Movies such as My Best Friend’s Wedding and Made of Honour make it seem like confessing your feelings will always lead to a grand, romantic happily-ever-after. But in real life, it is not that simple. Sometimes, the grand confession just leads to heartbreak and awkward tension.
So, what is the best way to handle it?
Pause and reflect. Are you truly in love, or is this just comfort, infatuation, or even boredom? Take some time to analyse your feelings objectively.
Write it down. Make a pros and cons list. Is this worth risking a solid friendship over? Does the good outweigh the bad?
Take space if needed. If your feelings are overwhelming, a little distance might help clear your head. But be honest with your friend about why you are stepping back, even if you do not go into all the details.
Ask yourself the hard questions. Should your friend know about this? Are they possibly feeling the same way? Can you handle it if they do not?
Consider the consequences. If you confess and they do not feel the same, are you prepared for the shift in your friendship?
Explore new connections. Sometimes, meeting new people and building new relationships can help put things into perspective.
At the end of the day, only you can decide if taking the leap of faith is worth it. But if you truly value your friendship, think long and hard before making a move.
Some relationships are meant to remain platonic and that is perfectly okay. Protect your heart, protect your friendship, and who knows? Maybe love will find you in a different, unexpected way.
So, while the success or failure of a relationship depends on various factors, dating a friend can significantly impact your friendship. There is no guaranteed way to predict the outcome; it could be one of the best decisions you ever make or the worst.
Before taking that step, it is essential to carefully consider whether you can nurture the romantic relationship while preserving the friendship.
Ask yourself if you are willing and able to balance both, ensuring that you do not lose someone who is important to you.
