The Brutal Reality of Confusing Emotions: When Best Friends Fall in Love

He was her rock, her person, her best friend. But then he became more. How could such wonderful feelings come with such contradictions and pain?

When one first falls in love with their best friend, they feel a wave of emotion ranging from excitement, to fear, and perhaps even sadness. Not only are they falling in love with someone who is so special to them, but if the feeling isn’t shared or the relationship is taken too far, it could mean the end of a meaningful friendship.

It’s a daunting, almost paralyzing experience to know that acting on such emotions could result in loss or great discomfort. Such complicated thoughts reverberate in the mind, making it hard to understand, accept, and process such concerns.

At face value, this isn’t an impossible task. If all goes according to plan, it’s a beautiful story -- two best friends finally realize how they truly feel about each other and become even closer as they embark on a romantic relationship.

But not all stories can have the same happy ending, and when these pairings don’t work out, it leaves both sides in a state of confusion and hurt. Even if both are in agreement about not continuing a physical relationship, the emotional scars remain. And if one of them does still feel strongly for the other, there's a tremendous heartache that arises.

Such situations are further complicated by the idea of potential implications for the friendship itself. Will things ever get back to how they were? Will it be difficult to look each other in the eye? Whether they stay together as a couple or break up, the mere act of having such deep, conflicting emotions can profoundly change a person and their relationship.

So what are our choices in such situations? The answer is - there isn’t one single solution. Weighing all options and honestly addressing the ‘what ifs’ of the situation are essential steps in navigating the waves of emotions. Taking a step back and thinking objectively will often provide clarity.

If the two best friends do decide to embrak on a relationship, being aware of the unique dynamic between you and understanding that certain issues might take time to address is key. Agreeing to openly expressing your thoughts and feelings as soon as problems arise can help reduce strain and establish a foundation for trust and closeness.

On the other hand, if one or both of them chooses not to enter into a physical relationship, that doesn’t mean friendhsip should be sacrificed. Remaining honest and open about these emotions can strengthen ties and build a deeper level of understanding between the two of you. Letting go of all expectations and putting your focus on taking care of yourself and building yourself back up after such turbulent emotions can be incredibly healing.

No matter what path you choose, the most important thing is to take the time to reflect on how you perceive the other person, your own emotions, and how they all intertwine. Articulating such complex sentiments in a healthy and safe way can go a long way in developing meaningful relationships, whether with yourself, or with those around you.