The best guy friend. The shy but adorable newbie. The he-is-way-too-hot-to-be-into-me boy across the hall. One thing they all have in common? The Friend Zone. Whether you have fallen victim to this gray area of relationships or are doing the zoning yourself, The Friend Zone is a tricky place to venture into. The lines are often extremely blurry, and inching your way out can seem next to impossible. “Maybe he’ll realize it in a few years.” “I don’t want to risk the friendship.” “What if I am the only one who feels this way?” Like I said…it’s pretty complicated! Here are some tips on how to deal when you’re stuck in The Friend Zone:
1.)  When you are roaming around in the FZ, it is very important to think about what you really want. Sure, developing a relationship with your best friend is every girl’s fantasy but is it the idea of a boyfriend that intrigues you or is he the real deal? Do you like the comfort of confiding in a guy or is it this one guy who you constantly want to tell everything? Once you determine that it is 100% worth it to pursue this relationship, the potential risks will seem less harsh.
2.) Â If you decide to make your way out of The Friend Zone, thinking about what could go wrong is the next step. You could possibly lose this person as a friend, create an awkward environment for your larger circle of friends, and open yourself up for rejection. If these are all risks you are willing to take, whip out that vulnerability and start prepping for this leap of faith!
3.)  Try to feed off the other person’s vibes and gage your next move off of their reaction. For example, before jumping in and telling him your feelings, start off slow and steady. Touch his arm. Tell him he looks good tonight. Stare into his eyes. Plan fun things to do with just the two of you. By subtly flirting (and indirectly showing him how great of a girlfriend you would be), you’ll be placed on his radar. If he never thought of you as a potential girlfriend before, maybe now the idea will begin to percolate.
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4.)  Don’t come on too strong too fast. One thing that many guys seem to be afraid of is the “too soon to commit.” No one wants a clingy, obsessive girl right off the bat! Approach it from a casual standpoint, but don’t make it seem like you are devoid of feelings. Tell him the honest truth and see his reaction. Playing it calm, cool, and collected is always key.
5.) Â It might be a bit awkward if you have this conversation at a party or event with lots of people. The best bet is to talk about this privately. Maybe he is coming over to watch a movie or just stopping by to say hi because he is in the neighborhood. If you are one on one in a comfortable environment, the two of you will be more at ease.
6.)  It is okay to be scared. Making this jump from friend to boyfriend is extremely nerve-racking! It is okay to “chicken out” a couple of times before committing yourself to the cause. Wait for the right time and the right moment. Whether that is the next day or the next three years does not matter. It is all about what works for you and the type of relationship you have with this person. Still, if you are serious about developing this relationship, don’t wait too long. He could find another girl and slip right through your fingers.
7.)  No matter what the outcome, have no regrets! At one point, this was something you really wanted. If he responds positively, yay! If not, don’t worry. Chances are he won’t want to nix you out of his life completely –especially if you have been friends for a long time. It might take some time, but he will come around and maybe even change his mind in the process! In the wise words of John Mayer, “It is always better to say too much then never to say what you need to say.” Good luck!