12 Pros And Cons Of Dating Your Best Friend

Regardless of whether we prioritize it or not, all of us go through life with the goal of finding our soulmate. For certain individuals, this quest can be particularly challenging, as they go on numerous dates without establishing a genuine connection or endure a series of unsuccessful relationships. However, what if you were to date your closest companion?

If we take the lessons from the late 80s film "When Harry Met Sally," we learn that sometimes the person we're searching for has been right beside us all along. It's not always about discovering someone who fits our ideal preferences or possesses exceptional physical attractiveness.

Occasionally, "The One" is merely finding someone with whom we share a genuine and sincere bond, someone who loves us unconditionally, flaws and all. And that special someone might just be our best friend, the individual who has been by our side throughout our journey.

The pros of dating your best friend

# You’ve already laid the groundwork

The cornerstone of a successful relationship is the presence of a profound emotional connection. By starting a romantic relationship with your best friend, you have already established this crucial foundation, along with loyalty and respect. As a result, your relationship possesses a significantly higher likelihood of enduring in the long run.

# You can be prepared for the road ahead

Perhaps they desire to be married and have three children by the age of thirty, or maybe their ambition is to achieve four job promotions before considering settling down.

If you envision a long-lasting relationship with your best friend, you already possess the advantage of knowing whether your future goals and aspirations are in alignment. This understanding enables both of you to prepare for the potential journey ahead.

# No nasty shocks

Few things can be as uncomfortable or, in certain instances, distressing as delving into your partner's dating past. However, with your best friend, you have probably already had those conversations without the weighty implications of being in a romantic relationship.

In fact, you might have even had the opportunity to meet some of their former partners. It's possible that you're already aware of instances of infidelity or past relationship challenges. The advantage of your existing friendship is that you are likely familiar with most of these details, thus minimizing the chances of unpleasant surprises.

# You can bypass the awkward stuff

The initial months of any relationship are a mix of excitement and, let's admit it, awkwardness. You have to navigate through discovering each other's preferences and dislikes, and there's the inevitable task of introducing each other to friends and family, which can be quite daunting.

The positive aspect of dating your best friend is that the awkwardness has already been tackled. You can now fully relish the thrill of elevating your relationship to a new level without the burden of initial discomfort.

# You’ve been through it all together

In addition to having an established emotional connection, it's highly probable that you share a significant history with your best friend.

Perhaps you both graduated from university together or have supported each other through numerous family gatherings. By already sharing important moments in each other's lives, your bond becomes stronger, increasing the likelihood of a lasting relationship.

# No awkward silences guaranteed

Few things are more disheartening than entering a relationship with someone you genuinely like, only to realize that you have little to talk about due to a lack of common interests.

The advantage of dating your friend is that you are almost guaranteed to have shared interests. After all, if you didn't, you wouldn't be friends in the first place!

The cons of dating your best friend

# Are you willing to make the sacrifice?

The primary concern that arises when contemplating dating a friend is the potential fear of its longevity. The thought of a breakup can be daunting, as it may lead to the loss of the friendship altogether. The key decision you face is whether you are willing to take the risk of jeopardizing the friendship by pursuing a romantic relationship.

# The feeling might not be mutual

When you find yourself developing romantic feelings for your best friend, there is always the possibility that those feelings are not reciprocated and that you may have misinterpreted their actions towards you.

If you choose to express your feelings, it is important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Accept that there may be a period of awkwardness between you if things do not go as desired.

It is crucial to consider in advance how you will navigate the situation if your friend does not share the same romantic feelings. Can you maintain the friendship despite unrequited love? Would you be able to handle it if they pursue a romantic relationship with someone else? Planning and reflecting on these possibilities can help you make an informed decision about whether to disclose your feelings and how to handle the outcome.

# It’s going to be a “go hard or go home” situation

When transitioning your relationship to a more serious level, it becomes crucial to contemplate whether you desire a casual or long-term commitment, and if your desires align with your partner's. In all honesty, risking a valuable friendship for the sake of a casual relationship may not be worthwhile.

# Are you attracted by the unknown?

While skipping the initial awkward phase of getting to know someone may have its advantages, there is a potential downside of missing out on the experience of discovering a new person, their unique personality, and their interests, which can add excitement to a relationship.

It is important to consider how much value you place on the thrill of exploring the unknown during the early stages of a relationship. Is the sense of venturing into uncharted territory a significant aspect of your enjoyment in a relationship? This is a question to reflect upon when deciding whether dating your best friend, with whom you already have a deep connection, aligns with your preferences for the excitement of new beginnings.

# Who will fulfill their old role?

The challenge of transforming your best friend into your romantic partner is the potential risk of losing your best friend altogether. They might have been the crucial individual you confided in about relationship matters and sought advice from. It is important to consider if there is someone else who can fulfill that role or if you can manage without having such a person in your life.

# Is there more than just your own friendship on the line?

Additionally, it is essential to contemplate the potential impact on other individuals if the relationship does not unfold as anticipated.

Do you belong to a larger circle of friends who may feel compelled to take sides in the event of a breakup? By pursuing a romantic relationship with your best friend, there is a possibility of jeopardizing not only your own friendship but also the bond among the broader group of friends.