5 questions to ask yourself if you want to date a friend
The idea of moving a relationship out of the friendzone into a romantic partnership is very appealing, but unless you consider these issues, it can backfire. Badly
The potential bliss in converting a friend to a romantic partner is everywhere: There are many happily-ever-after examples in pop culture, from When Harry Met Sally to Friends to How I Met Your Mother to Always Be My Maybe. Even Facebook is trying to play Cupid within your friend group: the social network’s new dating platform has a Secret Crush feature where users can find out if unspoken interest might be mutual.
But there’s also potential for an awkward ending, where you’re forced to encounter your ex at every mutual friend gathering for the rest of time – and your pals may also be privy to how you treated them, who ended it and why.
In many ways, developing a friendship is similar to that early dating stage before you’re officially “in a relationship”. You might not be going on dates, but you’re learning about one another in a casual setting. You’re gauging whether there’s an easy rapport, and if you want to spend more time together. You’re developing a foundation of respect and understanding for this person’s character.
This is why dating a friend can be effective in the long-term, with the right communication.
Before you try to convert your crush into a significant other, here are some questions to ask yourself – and your friend.
Are you really interested – or is this prospect enticing just because it’s convenient?
It’s important to determine whether you’re genuinely interested in your friend, says Lindsey Metselaar, dating expert and host of the millennial dating podcast We Met at Acme.