Test the waters but understand what’s at stake
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First, consider the situation. Is your friend single? Are they hung up on anyone? If the answer is “no,” take this chance to experiment with what your friendship means. Dating expert Matthew Hussey, suggested to The Independent that flirting is the way to test the waters when trying to escape the friend zone. “Instead of telling someone ‘I like you, what do you think?’, which forces theme into a position of having to give you an answer, start flirting with them through simple gestures and see what happens,” he says. Being aware of someone’s lifestyle can make it easier for you to make a move or open up a conversation about pursuing a relationship (via Stylecaster).
Of course it can be a bit tricky to decipher if your pal is really flirting back or not. Relationship therapist Simone Bose told The Guardian, “If you are going to take that step, ask yourself: are you serious about this? Is it an intense friendship? Does it sometimes feel like boundaries are crossed?” Emotional boundaries and physical boundaries are two separate things and sometimes with intense friendships, emotional boundaries have already been crossed (talking about secrets, emotional experiences, and intimate moments). It’s more difficult to make the first step with a physical boundary and into a sexual relationship (via Moral Revolution).
Take the relationship shift slowly
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It’s imperative to take things slow as your friend may not have mutual feelings (and you have to come to terms that this may be a reality). If you feel ready, talk to your friend about your feelings and understand that you may be risking the loss of a friendship. Psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Gary Brown told Bustle, “You absolutely have to ask yourself if you want a romantic relationship. And if you’re willing to potentially lose your friendship with them if it doesn’t work out.” Chat with your friend and discuss the potential of being something more. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised and discovere they feel the same.
At the end of the day, you’re going to have to be vulnerable and brave when talking to your bestie about your newfound feelings. There’s really no way around it.
How To Let Someone Know You Want To Be More Than Just Friends
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It can be complicated to begin unpacking these new feelings for your BFF. Before you can begin having regular make out sessions with your pal, it may be a little awkward figuring out how to take the plunge with a bestie.
Test the waters but understand what’s at stake
First, consider the situation. Is your friend single? Are they hung up on anyone? If the answer is “no,” take this chance to experiment with what your friendship means. Dating expert Matthew Hussey, suggested to The Independent that flirting is the way to test the waters when trying to escape the friend zone. “Instead of telling someone ‘I like you, what do you think?’, which forces theme into a position of having to give you an answer, start flirting with them through simple gestures and see what happens,” he says. Being aware of someone’s lifestyle can make it easier for you to make a move or open up a conversation about pursuing a relationship (via Stylecaster).
Of course it can be a bit tricky to decipher if your pal is really flirting back or not. Relationship therapist Simone Bose told The Guardian, “If you are going to take that step, ask yourself: are you serious about this? Is it an intense friendship? Does it sometimes feel like boundaries are crossed?” Emotional boundaries and physical boundaries are two separate things and sometimes with intense friendships, emotional boundaries have already been crossed (talking about secrets, emotional experiences, and intimate moments). It’s more difficult to make the first step with a physical boundary and into a sexual relationship (via Moral Revolution).
Of course it can be a bit tricky to decipher if your pal is really flirting back or not. Relationship therapist Simone Bose told The Guardian, “If you are going to take that step, ask yourself: are you serious about this? Is it an intense friendship? Does it sometimes feel like boundaries are crossed?” Emotional boundaries and physical boundaries are two separate things and sometimes with intense friendships, emotional boundaries have already been crossed (talking about secrets, emotional experiences, and intimate moments). It’s more difficult to make the first step with a physical boundary and into a sexual relationship (via Moral Revolution).
Take the relationship shift slowly
It’s imperative to take things slow as your friend may not have mutual feelings (and you have to come to terms that this may be a reality). If you feel ready, talk to your friend about your feelings and understand that you may be risking the loss of a friendship. Psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Gary Brown told Bustle, “You absolutely have to ask yourself if you want a romantic relationship. And if you’re willing to potentially lose your friendship with them if it doesn’t work out.” Chat with your friend and discuss the potential of being something more. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised and discovere they feel the same.
At the end of the day, you’re going to have to be vulnerable and brave when talking to your bestie about your newfound feelings. There’s really no way around it.
At the end of the day, you’re going to have to be vulnerable and brave when talking to your bestie about your newfound feelings. There’s really no way around it.
