Dating a close friend can be a dicey proposition. On the one hand, you have an established relationship built on mutual trust and understanding. On the other hand, if the romantic aspect of your relationship doesn’t work out, you could potentially damage your friendship irreparably. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of dating a close friend.
The Benefits:
- Shared history: When you date your close friend, you don’t need to spend time getting to know each other since you already have a shared history. You understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and you have already established a deep level of trust.
- Comfort: Comfort is a huge plus when dating a close friend, as you’ve already passed through the initial awkwardness or apprehensions. You can be yourself, let your hair down and relax, and have fun, without worrying about how you’re being perceived by your partner.
- Easy communication: Communication is key to any relationship, and when you date your close friend, you already possess strong communication skills. You know how to talk to each other and express your desires, dislikes, and feelings honestly.
- Familiarity: Familiarity breeds comfort, which is an excellent foundation for a relationship to thrive. You know the quirks of each other, which makes things less confusing and less frustrating, in the long run.
The Challenges:
- Losing a friend: One of the biggest risks of dating a friend is the potential for the relationship to end, and losing the friendship in the process. It would be challenging to deal with the heartbreak and the loss of your significant other and your best friend at the same time.
- Expectations: Dating brings a certain level of expectation with it. High expectations set the stage for disappointment, and it can be tricky to balance the needs of the friend with the needs of the lover. The expectation of the future of the relationship can create undue pressure on the friendship, leading to a break-up.
- Compatibility: You can’t always be sure if the chemistry is there for a long-lasting relationship, even if the friendship is rock solid. If you don’t have the type of chemistry that translates into romantic feelings, it can be challenging to make any relationship work.
- Familial Intrusion: Dating a close friend can mean involving each other’s families, adding extra pressure to a romance already evolved with fragility. It can create a difficult situation if your family sets expectations for your relationship based on their experiences of your friendships.
Dating a close friend can seem like an ideal situation, but it’s not without challenges. The pros include an established relationship, trust, and honesty, but the cons risk losing the friendship, high expectations of the relationship, and family interference. To date a close friend, you need to be honest and open about your feelings, carefully weigh the pros and cons of the relationship, and ultimately pay attention to the needs of the friendship. If you approach it thoughtfully and sensitively, dating a close friend can be a beautiful experience.
