The Difficult Balance of Deciding Between Friends or Something More

Deciding between being friends or something more can be a difficult balance. Few things can stir up such powerful emotions in us like trying to figure out the depth of someone's feelings for you. Being able to read people's minds isn't as easy as it may seem. Their behavior toward you can give you clues but it's rarely crystal clear. If you're wondering if your friendship has turned into something more, there are a few things you can do that may help you figure it out.

The key is understanding your own feelings and not being afraid to ask yourself "Am I happy as friends with this person or do I want something else?" Good relationships are built on honest communication so don't be afraid to talk openly with the other person. Ask them directly how they feel about you, even if it's scary. When you know where you stand in their life, it can help you decide if this person is worth pursuing a romantic relationship with.

Most relationships begin as friendships, but sometimes it's hard to tell if it's heading somewhere else or if it's destined to stay in the “Friend Zone.” One way to find out is to slowly start adding in little romantic touches. If the person responds positively to extra hand-holding, hugging, or other touchy moments, it's a strong indication that your feelings are mutual. Of course, if this person isn't interested, then they will make it very obvious.

It's easy to get carried away when trying to determine the nature of your relationship with another person. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to figure it out right away. Give yourself time to just enjoy the friendship and trust that whatever kind of relationship it is, you will eventually figure it out. Don't forget that even though you're trying to figure out if there's potential for a romantic relationship, you still have a friend in front of you who cares about you.

If you do come to the conclusion that there are romantic feelings, then it's possible you'll want to take it further. Take things slow though. Don't rush into anything without thought or feeling. If it's meant to be, it will happen naturally. There should never be any pressure to get into a physical relationship until both parties are fully ready.

Trying to figure out if a friendship is really something more can be a tricky situation but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. Move forward carefully and trust your feelings. Give yourself time to nurture the relationship without creating pressure that could destroy what you have built so far. you're the only one who can decide if this person is someone you want to pursue a relationship with.

So take it slow, breathe deep, and be true to yourself. That way, no matter what your relationship turns out to be, your special bond will be kept safe.