Can a Friendship Turn Romantic?

I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend who said she hates using dating apps. She prefers to get to know someone as a friend first, and then see if it turns into something romantic.

I commented how that feels exactly opposite of my experience. For me, when someone is a friend, you don't want to muck it up by adding a romantic dimension to the relationship. It's why people have labeled it the "friend zone." My friend said she finds it much easier to ask out someone she already has built trust with. And I said that I would find it much more awkward to do so.

What do you think? Have you ever experienced a friendship turned romantic? If so, how did it happen? Because sorry, I just can't get my mind around it.

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ThomReidTheBlack · 41-45, M

I would say every relationship I have had save one started as a friendship. That is not to say all friendships go that way.

But for me personally I find the idea of a serious partner not being one of your best friends as kind of bizarre.

ShadowSister · 46-50, F

@ThomReidTheBlack I guess I feel like you can add friendship to romance, but it's strange to me to add romance to friendship.

ThomReidTheBlack · 41-45, M

@ShadowSister I suppose it also depends on what one is defining as romance. If we are talking a relationship based on lust that is just about messing around and having fun than a deeper connection is not required.

But for me when it comes to something deeper like love than a strong friendship is the basis for something like that.

ShadowSister · 46-50, F

@ThomReidTheBlack I would hope that any real romantic relationship would have friendship as a part of it. I think I am more surprised at friendship coming first.