Pros and Cons of Dating Your Best Friend
Being involved in a romantic relationship with someone you have known for years and you have been friends ever since you were little, is something totally new for both of you. Suddenly the game changes and you don't know if this new relationship is going to work or not.
There are many pros about dating your best friend, but there are also cons that you need to think of. Can this relationship work? Should you date your best friend? Here are some possible pros and cons to make it a bit easier for you, but have in mind that the ultimate decision, as well as the effort you put into the relationship, is always yours.
Are best friends off limits? Find out About Pros and Cons That Can Happen When in a Relationship with Your Best Friend or When You Are Dating Him
Dating your best friend can often be a very rewarding experience, but oftentimes there are pitfalls as well. Learn how to avoid these with a few of these important things to remember about dating your best friend.
1. You know each other very well
Pros
When you start having feelings for your friend and you two start dating, there is nothing you two don't know about each other. You have been friends for so long and you have told each other the most of your secrets. So, dating a friend might seem a bit frightening, but it's quite the opposite, because this is the one person you can relax with and be yourself, as you were up to this point. He already knows a lot about you and he is still here, standing next to you and dating you, which means he really does like you.
Cons
Sometimes you might know a bit more about each other than you would normally like to. You know how many girls he had up to now and he knows how many guys you dated as well. Try and put these thoughts aside and just enjoy in your relationship.
2. You have a lot in common
Pros
Being in a relationship with your best friend just confirms how many things you have in common and how much you respect each other on the basic level. This is the perfect mix of relationship that has qualities of a best friend and lots of romance. The fact that you two were close before you started dating shows that you share same interests, that you have a lot of similar or exactly the same things you care about, and which you are passionate about. Those things can really make your relationship even stronger.
Cons
Sometimes, when you do everything together, it can be boring, so be careful and always try to keep your relationship fresh and fun by adding new interests or trying out new things you can do both together, as well as without each other. Being apart and not doing everything together will not only give you chance to maintain your personal space, but it will also make your relationship interesting.
3. You have a history
Pros
Sharing important moments with the person you are in love with is something special. But, having all those moments lived through with someone you are in a relationship with, besides having that person as your best friend as well, is something even more special. The best thing about dating friends is that you already know what kind of person you have in front of you and what kind of reactions you can expect, making it a lot more pleasant and comfortable for both sides, since there are not so many unfamiliar things.
Cons
Besides knowing how he thinks and reacts, there are also many other things you know about him. And there is nothing more embarrassing than when he starts telling all your friends about some silly situation you had as you were a child. Try not to think about all those things and always be honest with each other.
4. You both know each others expectations
Pros
When it comes to dating advice for women, it is always said, that you should know what to expect from him and that it is one of the most important things in a relationship. The fact that you two were friends before you engaged in a romantic relationship is beneficial to both sides during dating. Knowing someones way of living and what that person expects in life, what that person wants from it, is one of the main things about deciding if you want to be with that person at all. So, in this case, you already have it covered.
Cons
There are not many surprise situations in this kind of relationship, because you already know how he's going to react if you bought yet another dress. Making him be surprised when he sees you might be a challenging task, so you might have to be really creative if you want the "wow" effect.
5. Skipping some steps
Pros
That uncomfortable feeling, about not really knowing if the person you are in a relationship with is really honest and really that much into you as he says- it's gone in these situations. One of the best things about dating your best friend and being in a relationship with that person is that you already know he's going to be 100% honest with you and that he will do his best not to hurt your feelings. Since you already know each other, feel comfortable with each other, there are some steps you have in a relationship and dating process that can be skipped.
Cons
As you date the person you already know a bit too well, there is less excitement about getting ready for him, or at least in a totally different way. You don't get to experience the same dating or relationship entering process as you would with a total stranger.
6. Working through the issues together
Pros
Problems in a relationship are a regular thing. But, when you are dating your best friend, somehow everything seems a bit harder and more problematic than usual. Here, as the both sides feel that they are taking a bit of a risk when getting into a relationship in the first place, there is a bigger chance that you two won't just leave each other in a moment, when crisis situations come up. The fear of ruining something as perfect as you two have, will make you both work on your relationship a bit extra, which is great. That way you will become even stronger as a couple.
Cons
Sometimes, when the problems come up, you might be having the feeling like not only two of you aren't on the same page, but that your friendship is falling apart and that you aren't as good a couple. At those moments it is important to remember why you started being together at the first place and everything will soon be okay. Working through problems is something every couple has to go through.
7. The Bottom Line on Dating Best Friends: Date Your Best Friend
No matter how strange it may sound, but dating and being in a relationship with your best friend is one of the best things you can get in life. There is a person who likes you, cares for you, and who is already your shoulder to cry on when you need that, keeps all your secrets safe and is always there for you. There are lots of pros and cons for every decision you have to make. Still, in order for a relationship to work, it takes time, effort and trust from both sides.
So, if you have already confessed your feelings to your best friend and he is feeling the same, you can peacefully grow old together knowing he will take very good care of you.