Will friendship lead to a relationship?

What a common question among so many friends, especially in a day and age when people value friendship as a foundation for a successful relationship. There seems to be much greater freedom in exploring whether or not a friendship could form into something else with a different dynamic. Sex and intimacy aren’t even necessarily predictors anymore as many are not engaging in this behavior as partners. What seems to be a good predictor is whether or not people in friendships can affirm that they are in love, love each other, and live harmoniously together once living together becomes an option.

The risk

Whenever a friendship ventures into a relationship, there is always the risk of losing the friendship if the relationship ends. Why is this so? In a relationship, the level of emotional and/or physical intimacy becomes exponential; boundaries lessen as people grow closer. There is a certain quality of vulnerability that exists in relationships that friendships do not seem to carry. When a breakup happens, it is difficult to compartmentalize the hurt feelings, misunderstandings, or vulnerability between people. So reforming and reverting to the original friendship can be difficult. That is not to say it never happens; it just doesn’t happen a lot.

The reward

Forming a relationship from friendship can be very rewarding because getting to know each other happened in a non-pressurized and expectational way. Friends know quirks, traits, qualities, and weaknesses even better at first than in strict dating relationships. There is comfort in friendships concerning teasing, and sensitivity can be tempered while in it before a relationship ensues. People may put their best foot forward in a friendship every time, but most friendships see the mess, the bad days, the high points, and the low points. Of course, relationships see these things, but it can be a while before they show themselves, hence the ‘honeymoon phase!” Both parties have to be open to exploring this option which isn’t always the case, too, so before venturing into this step, have a serious conversation with yourself and then your friend to see if you’re on a similar path.