From Friends to Lovers: How to Take Your Friendship to the Next Level
“Love is friendship set on fire.” – Jeremy Taylor
Maybe you met her a few months back, or him a couple of years ago. However you met, you’ve started out as friends with this person without thinking of romance. So, From Friends to Lovers: How to Take Your Friendship to the Next Level?
Maybe they already had a significant other then, or you did. Perhaps you didn’t really feel the chemistry in the beginning. There’s a chance you already considered it, before convincing yourself that you’re both better off as friends.
That’s all in the past, though, because now… you’ve developed romantic feelings for your friend. The question now is:
“HOW do we turn a friendship into a relationship?”
Many are convinced that it’s hard to turn an established friendship into a relationship, but that cannot be further from the truth.
Romantic relationships that start off from a foundation of friendship often last the longest. With these kind of relationships, the attraction often extends past superficial reasons, such as how they look or how much they earn. It’s definitely worth a shot.
If you want to turn a friendship into something more, try these 6 ways below to do so.
Remember to Pursue Them Romantically
Now that you are seeing your friend in a different light, make sure the way you behave is different too.
Assume that your friend has only ever thought of you as a friend. Now that you want them to be your girlfriend/ boyfriend, you are going to have to act differently too.
Some things you can do differently include
a) texting them ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’,
b) complimenting them more on their looks/ effort at work,
c) pay attention to what they’re saying and acting on it, such as taking them to the restaurant they’ve always wanted to go, or buying them their favourite cake, and so on.
Put in Effort in Being The Right One
It’s time to stop acting like just a friend, and act like a potential romantic partner. Apart from flirting, you can also pay special attention to the way you look and dress, as well as attempting to take part in the activities that your friend likes.
For example, your crush may like to play badminton. Even if you prefer other sports, make it a point to show up to his or her badminton sessions and take part, or just to cheer them on. Your friend will appreciate the little efforts you make on their behalf.
You can also take coaching sessions if you’re unsure how to become The Right One. Just enquire for a coaching session with one of our Date and Image Coaches here today!
Date Other People
This may seem like self-contradicting advice, but if you’re single, you should definitely go out on dates with other people even when you think you have fallen for your friend.
There are two good reasons to do so. Firstly, your romantic attraction to your friend may have intensified due to your closeness. This may make you expect way more beyond what your friend is comfortable with.
Secondly, dating other people while you’re single can help confirm to you whether you’re really interested in pursuing a relationship with your friend. If you also feel similar attraction to other people as well, there is a good chance that you’re just not that into your friend.
State Your Intentions Clearly
The best way to let your friend know you’re romantically interested in them is to tell them about it. Make sure you choose the best setting to do so, one which does not put your friend on the spot.
Pick a neutral place, such as a quiet park or a café. Do go over your mind about what you’re going to say so that it does not come out rushed or jumbled up.
Make sure to let your friend know that you want to have a serious talk, so they are mentally prepared for it. Don’t spring it on them out of the blue.
Be Honest to Yourself and Your Friend about Your Expectations
When you let your friend know about your intentions to date exclusively, make sure you know what you really expect out of the talk.
For example, do you just want to try dating before making it exclusive Otherwise, perhaps you have fallen so hard that you already know you want to make them your significant other? Are you mentally ready to have your friendship change even more in some way after your confession?
Even if it’s hard to do so, let yourself be vulnerable if you really want to take your relationship to the next level. It will let your friend know of your sincerity.
Be Ready for All Outcomes
Whatever the response is, make sure you brace yourself for it. Of course, it would be great if your friend is also open to dating you, but other outcomes are likely as well.
For one, your friend may need time to think it over. If this is the case, make sure you ask them how long they think they need, so you’re not hanging on to false hope, and can move on quicker.
Then, of course, there is the possibility of your friend not seeing you as a romantic partner due to certain circumstances in their lives. If that is the case, don’t push them into giving you a chance. If you need space to settle your feelings, ask to be apart for a while.
Don’t worry about your confession changing your friendship, or ending it. Chances are, if you’ve already developed feelings for your friend, your relationship has already changed.
With rejection, if you’re truly good friends, you will be able to rise above it and become friends again and you don't have to wonder about how to take your friendship to the next level. On the other hand, if your feelings are reciprocated, you’ll be extremely glad that you took these steps to take your friendship to the next level.
Good luck, and happy dating!
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