Alright, first of all, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I know this is a topic where people have very strong and even valid opinions on. But here's my coin in.
Friendship and romance have so many things in common
Friendship and romance have too many things in common, that it is hard to decipher between the two. In both relationships, you show respect and love and kindness towards the other person. There is closeness and support to the other person, whether you're friends or lovers.
You're Supposed to Marry your Best Friend, Right?
The nature of best friendship, a commitment to love someone unconditionally, could set up the stage for a potential romance. How do you know if your feelings towards someone are platonic or romantic?
Physical Intimacy
Most people argue that sexual intimacy is the line between being friends and lovers. But then the question of friends with benefits comes into play. The sexual component is generally the defining feature of romantic relationships that are absent from friendships, but there are other things that can decide whether a couple is well shaped to become lovers or become friends. For example, holding your lover on a mental pedestal. In good romantic relationships, people can be enchanted by their partners and hold higher views of them, when it comes to their behaviours, looks, etc. We tend to have more concrete views of our friends.
Getting Close to that Line
There is a reason the margin between romantic and platonic partners is so blurry and unclear. When you hang out alone all the time, discuss their romantic partners, become jealous of their relationships, share clothes, dedicate all your time to them, text all day and night, emotions can get in the way.
It Doesn't Always have to Happen
Developing feelings for your best friend doesn't always have to happen, but it is definitely possible. Once you start getting close to that line, as described above, romantic feelings may develop either unconsciously or intentionally.
Denial
But, when feelings do start to develop, you probably think, "No! It's just friendship, I'm fine. Undo my feelings!!"
But you can't. You can try to pretend you aren't romantically attracted to your best friend but you most likely see them every day. You know that if you did get together and break up, you would not only lose your romantic partner but also your best friend, your backbone, your big influence. You want to rush to your best friend and cry about your break up but you can't. When a best friend becomes an ex, that is the saddest thing. They were everything to you. A friend and a lover, and now it is all gone. That's why many people go into denial.
But sometimes friendships become happy marriages! It happens all the time! It's just the worst when a best friend becomes a lover and then an ex.
But oh well! If it's a good friendship, it's basically like having a partner, too. If you can marry your best friend, I think that's a beautiful thing.
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