2:02 p.m. - 2002-10-07
Relationship Realities, by Desiree Dugger...aka, amusing Colonnade article of the week
"And you say I'm just a friend..."

I recently came to the conclusion that next to your family, your friends know you the best. The ones you hang out with every day, complain about jobs and class, and in general, have a great time with.

But then there is that one special friend. The one you seem to flirt with more than the others. The one who says you look better without make-up on. The one friend who makes you chicken soup when you're sick, because he or she knows it will make you feel better. That one special friend who gives you goose bumps.

In this case, what do you do when you realize that your friend is everything you're looking for in a dating relationship? And better yet, do you tell them? They say friends make the best lovers, and when you think about it, it's completely true.

You've both invested in a comfortable level of acceptance, they've seen you at your emotional high and low, and they'll tell you the truth, whether you want to hear it or not. And to make things even easier, they have respect for you, which is hard to come by just dating any old person off the street. So how do you go about vocalizing your emotions?

The great thing about dating a friend is that they know when you've got something on your mind, so just come out with it. Don't beat around the bush and speak honestly from the heart. You don't have to proclaim your love like you're Shakespeare, just talk to them like, well, like they're your friend. Now there is a fear of rejection. Of course anytime you go out on a limb with your feelings there is always that fear.

However, another bonus of being attracted to a close friend is that even if they don't feel the same way as you, they'll still be your friend no matter what. If for some reason they freak out and cast you aside like an outcast, you have to wonder if they were a real friend to start with.

And now that you feel comfortable about your feelings just remember this, friends are hard to come by and should be cherished every day. And to love one and be loved by one, is the greatest feeling in the world. So go out and take a chance on love. At the end of the day, what do you have to lose?

previous - next