Friendship is the first step when it comes to developing a relationship.
It allows you to get to know a woman as she truly is and understand the potential issues and challenges that may arise in a romantic partnership. Moving quickly from acquaintance to official dates can lead to unrealistic expectations, which often end in disappointment. However, starting with friendship and then moving into a romantic relationship can help avoid this. Here are several reasons why starting with friendship and then letting feelings develop before proposing a relationship is beneficial:
A Strong Foundation for the Relationship
Passion can be all-consuming and exciting, but it tends to fade quickly, leaving behind disappointment and the feeling of having made a wrong choice. As the saying goes, “rose-colored glasses shatter from the inside.” Relationships that start with friendship have a more solid foundation. The trust and understanding that develop over time provide a strong connection that can withstand any challenges. Moreover, in long-term relationships, it is often the friendship that helps keep things afloat and ensures mutual appreciation. In essence, friendship is the cornerstone of the love that each of us deserves.
Shared Interests
Friendship often begins with finding common interests. These shared interests help create a connection that goes beyond initial attraction and passion. This common ground fosters compatibility, making the relationship enjoyable and thriving. You and your partner will always have activities to engage in and things to share with each other, which creates harmony and helps maintain mutual interest.
Communication Skills
Friends communicate honestly and openly, without trying to appear better than they are or lying to impress each other. They easily find compromises, discuss even difficult topics, and are willing to share their feelings. By focusing on building a friendship first rather than jumping straight into a romantic relationship, you lay the groundwork for effective and healthy communication patterns in your relationship. These skills will help you communicate with your partner in a way that supports rather than harms each other, overcome challenges, and foster a deep sense of connection.
Comfort and Ease
Friendship creates a sense of comfort and ease. You don’t have to worry about appearing perfect, nor do you expect that from the other person. You feel relaxed, warm, and cozy with them. This helps you effortlessly be yourself in the relationship and feel comfortable showing your true personality. Such authenticity fosters understanding, respect, and contributes to building strong and lasting relationships.
Conflict Resolution
Friends handle disagreements differently than strangers or people overwhelmed by strong emotions. They tend to make compromises, consider each other’s viewpoints, and openly discuss what concerns them. By making friendship the foundation of your relationship, it becomes easier to avoid petty arguments or major conflicts that could lead to a breakup. You and your partner will listen to each other rather than stubbornly defending your own viewpoints, finding common solutions rather than assigning blame — this approach strengthens your bond and creates harmony.
Emotional Support System
Friends often offer each other support when it’s needed most. They don’t expect anything in return, don’t act out of selfish motives, or try to influence each other’s behavior. This established habit can be invaluable in a romantic context. It creates a deeper connection and a sense of security, which fosters trust and the feeling that you are genuinely loved.
Loyalty
Friendship fosters loyalty — a trait that naturally carries over into romantic relationships. Combined with trust, it creates a strong bond that helps withstand any challenges. You and your partner will not abandon each other in times of trouble, refrain from gossiping behind each other’s backs, and readily defend each other’s interests when needed.
Simultaneous Growth
As friends, you and your partner observe and support each other’s personal growth. This shared journey creates a positive environment for both individual development and the strengthening of your bond. Moreover, you can openly point out each other’s shortcomings and mistakes, offer solutions, and find ways out of challenging situations together. This helps you learn important life lessons and become better individuals.
Fun and Laughter
Friendship is a light and enjoyable connection often filled with fun and laughter. It brings joy into romantic relationships, helping to make them strong and comfortable. It’s always nice when you can not only go on dates with your partner but also share inside jokes, playfully tease each other, and find reasons to be happy together every day.
Respect for Differences
You might feel like your partner is a female version of yourself, but there are still differences between you. These differences often become stumbling blocks for many couples. However, if you built a friendship first and then added romance, you’ll avoid these issues. Friendship helps you approach differences with respect rather than using them as reasons for criticism or to assert your own views. You and your partner will embrace differences in character, interests, or perspectives without trying to change each other. This respect forms the foundation of trust and understanding necessary for a healthy relationship.
RELATED STORY – 7 Personality Traits That Make You Constantly Choose the Wrong Women
