Friendship is a beautiful thing. It’s built on trust, mutual respect, and often, shared experiences. So when you take that foundation of friendship and add the excitement, adventure, and passionate romance of a new relationship, it can be truly magical.
Dating a friend you’ve known for years can be thrilling. You already know and love each other, so there’s a solid foundation to build on. And since you’re already comfortable with each other, you can just enjoy the ride without all the first-date jitters.
Of course, dating a friend isn’t without its challenges. You’ll need to navigate the potential fallout from your friends or family if things don’t work out, but if you’re both confident in your relationship, it’s definitely worth giving it a shot.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the ups and downs of dating a friend you’ve known for years, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
How Do You Start Dating A Friend You’ve Known For Years?
It can be a little awkward to start dating a friend you’ve known for years. You might have different interests now, or you might not be sure if the person feels the same way about you.
However, there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother.
- Talk to your friend about your feelings. This is the first and most important step. You need to be sure that your friend feels the same way about you before you take things further. Otherwise, you could ruin your friendship.
- Spend time together outside of your usual activities. This will help you get to know each other in a different setting and can help you gauge whether there is a romantic connection.
- Be honest with each other. This is important in any relationship, but it’s especially important when you’re starting to date a friend. You need to be able to trust each other and be open about your feelings.
- Take things slowly. Don’t try to rush into a relationship. It’s important to take the time to get to know each other better before you take things to the next level.
Dating a friend you’ve known for years can be a great experience. Just be sure to take things slow, be honest with each other, and spend time together in different settings to get to know each other better.
The Pros Of Dating A Friend You’ve Known For Years
There are some advantages to dating someone you already know well. Here are a few of the biggest pros:
1. You Already Know And Love Each Other
The best part of dating a friend is that you already know and love each other. There’s no need to start from scratch, which can often be the case with traditional dating.
You can pick up right where you left off, and it feels like you never skipped a beat. This shared history gives you a great foundation to build on and can often make for a more successful relationship.
2. You’re Comfortable With Each Other
Another big plus is that you’re already comfortable with each other. You know each other’s quirks, how to make each other laugh and what makes each other tick.
This can be a huge relief, especially on those first few dates when you’re still getting to know each other. You can just relax and be yourself, which is always the best way to start a new relationship.
3. You Can Avoid The First Date Jitters
Since you already know each other, you can avoid those pesky first-date jitters. There’s no need to worry about what to wear or how to impress your date because you know each other so well.
You can just focus on enjoying each other’s company and getting reacquainted. This can be a great way to start a new relationship off on the right foot.
The Cons Of Dating A Friend You’ve Known For Years
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to dating a friend you’ve known for years. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. You May Not Be Attracted To Them
Even if you’ve been good friends with someone for years, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re attracted to them. If you start dating and realize that you’re not physically attracted to them, it can be awkward and uncomfortable.
2. You May Already Know Too Much About Them
Sometimes it’s better to go into a relationship not knowing too much about the other person. With a friend you’ve known for years, you may already know everything there is to know about them.
This can make it harder to keep the relationship fresh and exciting.
3. There May Be Too Much History Between You
If you’ve been friends with someone for years, there may be a lot of history between you. This can be good or bad, depending on the nature of your relationship.
If you’re on good terms with your ex, it may not be a big deal. But if you’ve had a falling out, it could make things awkward.
4. You May Expect Too Much From Them
When you date a friend you’ve known for years, you may have already formed certain expectations about them.
For example, you may expect them to be a certain way in a relationship, or you may expect them to act a certain way. If they don’t meet these expectations, it can be disappointing.
5. You May Have Trouble Letting Go If It Doesn’t Work Out
If you date a friend and things don’t work out, it can be hard to let go of the relationship. This is especially true if you’ve been friends for a long time. You may have trouble moving on and remaining friends.
These are just a few of the potential drawbacks of dating a friend you’ve known for years. Of course, every situation is different. If you’re considering dating a friend, weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Final Words
Dating a friend you’ve known for years can have its pros and cons. On the one hand, you already know and love each other. But on the other hand, there may be too much history between you. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
