There are few people in the world who can understand you like a good friend.
Let’s have “the talk” about how to navigate this precarious situation.
How to know if you’re falling in love with a friend.
Falling in love with a friend is the stuff of rom-coms.
That includes thinking through all of the possibilities that can happen.
But McCollough advises honesty is the best policy.
Know there are high stakes.
But knowing there are high stakes will help you figure out the best way to respectfully have the conversation.
Be honest about what you’re wanting from the connection.
Think about where you’re currently at and why you’re in love with them right now.
Are you fighting with your current romantic partner, which is making you consider someone else?
Did they just get out of a relationship, and you want to finally tell them how you feel?
Do you want to be with them to hook up or because you want a long-term relationship?
Look for signs of whether they may feel the same way.
Since they’re your friend, it’s likely you’ll know how they behave when they like someone.
Before you have the conversation, become objectively curious about their interpersonal behavior.
They may support and champion it instead.
(Still not sure?
Here’s how to interpretmixed signalsfor this tricky situation.)
Consider whether it makes sense to simply let it go.
With this route, it may be heartbreaking to move on, so give yourself support and compassion.
(We’ll get to some more advice on how to release your feelings later in this article.)
If you want to let them know, prioritize the friendship as you do so.
If your friend feels the same way, great!
This is the first of many talks where you’re able to shape your next steps together.
Be prepared for some awkwardness if they don’t feel the same way.
Privately, you’re able to process your disappointment later.
Your reaction may play a part in how things proceed next.
We’ve got a full guide onwhat to do when someone you like just wants to be friends.
If you’re falling for a friend who is the same gender as you.
If you’re in a relationship.
In this case, it’s essential to be open with your partner about your growing feelings.
How to stop falling in love with a friend.
So, be patient.
It could also help to look at your friend and the connection realistically too.
Or they make you laugh, but you don’t agree with their political ideologies.
Keep those incompatibilities in your mind.
In the meantime, uphold clear and respectful boundaries and give each other space.
For more, read through ourfull guide on how to stop liking someone.
FAQ:
What do you do if you fall in love with a friend?
Examine your feelings by talking to someone you trust about your attraction to your friend.
Is falling in love with a friend normal?
And we like what we know.
Plus, you already trust, love, and respect each other and have a strongemotional connection.
So, it makes sense you might fall in love with them the more you spend time together.
The takeaway.
Falling in love can be one of the most turbulent, confusing experiences.
But love requires courageous vulnerability and taking a chance on the things that really matter to you.
If you want to know, open your heart and kick off the conversation to see what happens.
You’ll never know until you directly ask and make your affections known.
