There's nothing like making a new friend and feeling that connection spark between you. You develop a bond and trust with someone, and rather than speaking on the surface alone, a true friendship brings two people to a level of understanding beyond what meets the eye.
However, sometimes a friendship can become something more, and feelings of love may even start to creep up. Perhaps you have found yourself in this position with a new friend and weren’t sure how to approach your growing emotions without scaring them off. While there is no one way to handle any situation, let’s explore some possible solutions, so you can make the best decision for all involved.
When it comes to falling for a new friend, the most important part is honesty. While we all may want to avoid awkwardness or hurt feelings, ultimately if we don't face our truths head-on, then it will lead to bigger issues down the road. Once you feel sure that your strong friendship has turned into love, ask yourself how comfortable you are heading into this situation with honesty and vulnerability. Can you share your true feelings openly and comfortably? If so, consider taking a leap of faith and putting your heart out there.
Another important and often overlooked part of this process is communication. There is no right answer when it comes to approaching a person and expressing your feelings, but do your best to be respectful and explain your feelings calmly and clearly. Regardless of whether you feel they are on the same page as you or not, try to explain your emotions without being overly aggressive or intense. It might take some time for your friend to process it all, so also consider giving them space and respect to take in the information.
Additionally, it is vital to remain cognizant of boundaries. Even if both of you agree to explore this newfound connection, be aware that things could change and boundaries should never be crossed without explicit consent. Throughout this journey, ensure that both of you are expanding your understanding of each other in the depths of a similar way. Understand the parameters of the relationship and focus on open dialogue and trust.
Although these conversations can certainly be difficult and anxiety inducing, remember to stay grounded in your values and don’t be afraid to set boundaries and communicate effectively. If this feels too overwhelming for either of you, consider speaking about the possibility of taking a break from the relationships or scaling back on how frequently you both interact. This option can certainly help repressed feelings from coming up in the future, while also preserving the friendship.
The road of falling in love with a new friend can be challenging and uncertain, but it doesn’t have to be full of anxiety and stress. Use this opportunity to practice self-care and trust, allowing yourself to go through this process with an open mind and heart.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now