Love: A Complicated Emotion

Falling for your best friend is a deeply complicated feeling. It could lead to happiness and joy, or it can lead to heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. No matter the outcome, these types of situations are incredibly difficult to navigate, both emotionally and practically speaking. In this article, we’ll discuss what could come of a situation like this, and the best possible way to approach it, keeping your feelings and emotions in mind.

The intimate bonds between friends can be complex, as many of us don't communicate our true thoughts and feelings. The relationship can be changed irrevocably if one of the parties develops deep feelings for the other, potentially jeopardizing the friendship between the two. Thoughts of “What if?”, “Should I tell them?”, and “How will they react?” could take over. It can be hard to make a decision, especially if you fear rejection. If this is something you’ve been secretly feeling, be sure that you approach the friend gently, talking it out and being open to whatever outcome that may present itself.

What if your friend reciprocates your feelings? It’s wise to take a few moments and think about what this might mean for your friendship. It could be a beautiful thing, an expansion of your connection with each other, heightened states of understanding, compassion, and love. However, this could also be difficult, testing the bounds of your existing relationship, straining it in ways you never expected. Be sure to think about not only the good, but the potential for wreckage, for arguments, and for broken hearts.

It could be helpful to evaluate the implications of what this could mean for yourself and your friend. If things were to get serious, could it mean sacrificing comfortability and familiarity of the friendship, leading to an increase in tension or pressure? Are you ready to invite a third person into the equation and change the dynamic of the relationship? If you’re not sure what to do, you could talk to an objective friend or a therapist, gather guidance and ideas on how to approach the situation, and find out how to best protect your safety, both emotionally and physically, no matter the path forward.

Furthermore, you need to ask yourself whether the relationship has fallen out of balance. Could this have happened because you’ve enabled unhealthy habits in the relationship? Could this have come about because of poor self-esteem, depression, or another mental health disorder? While it is natural to feel emotions and fall in love, it’s important to question what makes this relationship so desirable. Is it you or is it your best friend?

Pressing pause and reevaluating the relationship could be useful. Is the relationship toxic and does it no longer serve their purpose? Stepping away for a few moments could be the best thing to do. You also must remember to take a step back and consider boundaries, communication, and how you want to interact and co-exist with each other.

As you navigate through this emotionally fragile situation, remember that no matter what you choose, everything will work out in the end. Although difficult and humbling, this could be a great opportunity to learn, grow and become closer with your best friend. Throughout the process, be sure to be honest, kind and compassionate to both yourself and your friend. Good luck!