Dating your best friend may just be the key to romantic bliss. Over 66% of romantic relationships begin with a solid foundation of friendship. This outstanding statistic is something I've observed consistently as a relationship coach and personal development expert.
Those who've unraveled each other's deepest secrets, not from the first date but from years of shared experiences, often make the most resilient, connected pairs.
Continue reading to discover the unexpected advantages of dating your best friend.
1. You Know What to Expect
A best-friend-turned-partner relationship comes with more than a few perks. You already share a strong emotional connection, which is one of the most important parts of a successful relationship.
Think about it: You've witnessed each other at your best and worst, and you have a pretty good understanding of each other's habits, hobbies, and family dynamics. Your time together as friends can build a strong sense of comfort and familiarity that strengthens your bond as a couple.
» Ready to settle down? Here's how long it takes to meet the one.
2. You're Already in Sync
As best friends, you just click—that's 90% of the job done! You deeply understand each other's emotions and love languages, so you're perfectly equipped to practice active listening and show empathy.
In relationships like these, you know each other's sensitivities and how to support one another during tough times. I find that the depth of understanding from such closeness considerably improves communication.
3. You Have Similar Interests and Hobbies
Shared interests and hobbies can turn a good relationship into a great one. There's a special kind of joy that bubbles up when you both geek out over the same things. It's like a secret handshake, a shared language that makes the two of you, well, you.
This doesn't just make for more enjoyable date nights; it fosters personal growth and deepens your connection as a couple. It's like every shared experience and inside joke adds another layer to your relationship.
4. You Share a Supportive Network of Friends
When you date your best friend, you're probably already part of each other's inner circles, and that familiarity creates a solid foundation of acceptance and inclusion from the get-go.
Being in a relationship where your friend groups intertwine can be a huge asset. There's a wealth of advice, encouragement, and support readily available, and it's this communal backing that can really fortify your partnership.
» Want to add to your inner circle? You can make friends on a dating app.
5. Conflict Resolution Is Easier
In my experience, best friends who become romantic partners approach and resolve conflicts differently. Their effective communication style, deep understanding of each other's thought patterns, and the respect forged in their friendship make navigating quarrels more manageable.
The deep level of respect established in a best-friend-turned-partner relationship plays a vital role in resolving conflicts, making space for open and honest communication, even when the waters get choppy.
6. Your Relationship Is Stable From the Start
Dating your best friend often creates a strong sense of long-term compatibility and shared values. You're not starting from zero; there's history and understanding there that many people won't be as lucky to find.
You approach life with similar perspectives, making decisions and facing challenges similarly. This shared outlook fosters a deeper emotional intimacy, creating a sense of unity and togetherness that's comforting and empowering.
7. You Have a Deep History
The bond forged during your friendship is unique and something no new relationship can replicate. Having that means a level of trust and understanding is already built in, acting as a springboard for deeper intimacy and a stronger, more resilient partnership.
From inside jokes to memorable experiences, this makes your connection as a couple all the more special.
» Looking for someone to make history with? Give eharmony or Zoosk a try.
8. You Gain the Comfort of Emotional Security
There's an unparalleled comfort in being with someone who has seen all your seasons. One of my clients found her safe haven in a man who'd been her rock through life's highs and lows. Their love story wasn't just about romantic affection but was stitched together by shared vulnerabilities, each pulling them closer and weaving their lives together.
9. Intimate Moments Are Even Better
Dating your best friend lets you fast-forward past those awkward get-to-know-you first dates straight to the good stuff. Every touch is amplified by trust and a history of knowing each other inside and out, making the physical connection not just exciting butalso profoundly intimate.
You'll find it's not so much about butterflies in your stomach as it is a warm, reassuring connection.
10. You Can Face the Future Together
Dating your best friend means there's no such thing as a shot in the dark. There's a comfort in knowing you're on the same page, aiming for similar life goals. It's not just about individual aspirations anymore—it's about combining those dreams into a shared vision of future adventures and accomplishments.
Taking the first steps into a romantic relationship with your best friend should be a gradual process. Effective communication is key, as the shift from friendship to romance might initially feel a bit awkward.
The Beauty of Love Between Best Friends
Dating your best friend brings unique advantages, emphasizing emotional connection for lasting happiness. Understanding each other's best and worst habits, hobbies, and family dynamics cultivates deep comfort and familiarity, fortifying your bond.
However, stepping from the familiar grounds of friendship into the uncharted territories of romance doesn't happen overnight. Take things one step at a time to create something profoundly beautiful and uniquely yours.
