Shares India’s Leading Marriage Counselor Shivani Sadhoo
Friendship is a beautiful thing; it’s the foundation of countless meaningful connections and the bedrock of emotional support in our lives. However, there comes a moment when you find yourself in a situation where friendship is not quite enough – you’ve been relegated to the infamous “friend zone.” While it’s important to value and cherish the friendships in our lives, it’s equally natural to desire something more, especially if you’ve developed romantic feelings for someone you once considered just a friend. Escaping the friend zone can be a delicate and challenging endeavour, but it’s not impossible. But, first things first, how do you know that you’re in the friend zone?
· They consider you as a sibling
· They don’t have romantic feelings for you
· You’re simply their ‘best buddy’
· They try to find soulmates for you
Eminent relationship counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares a few tips and tricks to exit this friend zone:
1. Express Your Feelings
This is perhaps the easiest way to let the other person know that you’re not just a ‘friend’ but someone special. Be honest and vulnerable with your feelings and share your thoughts and emotions. But, don’t put pressure on them. Let them know that you value the friendship and that you’re open to exploring a romantic connection if they feel the same way.
2. Don’t Let Them Take You For Granted
To avoid being stuck in the friend zone, establish boundaries and communicate your intentions clearly. For instance, if you’ve developed romantic feelings for a friend, express your interest rather than assuming they’ll reciprocate. This prevents them from taking your friendship for granted and opens the door for potential romantic involvement. Prioritize yourself.
3. Find out more about them
Take the time to learn more about your friend’s interests, desires, and aspirations. Show genuine interest in their life, dreams, and goals. This not only demonstrates that you care about them as a person but can also help strengthen your connection on a deeper level. It helps you to find if you are that ‘special someone’.
4. Spark Jealousy
Sometimes a gentle nudge from a friend can help you out of the friend zone. Making them jealous by flirting with other people, or talking about other people you find attractive, can help light a spark of jealousy and get their attention. It can prompt your friend to see you in a new light and consider a deeper connection. This can be a good way to move the relationship to the next level. However, be careful and respect their emotions.
5. Genuine Compliments
A well-placed compliment can sometimes really change things when you’re stuck in the friend zone. It’s all about being genuine and not overdoing it. Like, when you tell them they look fantastic, even in their most casual attire, it shows you find them attractive no matter what. It’s about making them feel special and appreciated. These subtle actions convey your interest and attentiveness, nurturing a deeper bond that might ignite romantic feelings.
6. Alone Time
While group gatherings offer comfort, they won’t enhance your chances of transitioning from friendship to romance. Spending quality time together is essential for deepening your connection. Suggest one-on-one activities that allow you to bond without the presence of other friends. This can help create a more intimate atmosphere and foster emotional closeness.
7. Go Slow
Sometimes, feelings take time to develop and evolve. Patience is key in navigating the transition from friendship to romance. Allow the relationship to grow naturally without rushing the process. Whether your journey leads to romance or a continued friendship, remember that the most important thing is the connection you share with the people in your life.
Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship Counsellor by world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained on specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, is also Certified for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialised training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counsellors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practice independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India but also listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital – Institute of Brain & Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
