How to Move a Relationship Beyond the Friend Zone

One of the biggest questions of some people who are stuck in the friend zone is how they can move on to being more than just friends and finally become officially in a relationship.

But first, let us define what friend zone means?

For those who are not really familiar yet, the term friend zone pertains to a situation wherein one person in a friendship begins to develop intense feelings and desires to become more than friends with the other. Most of the time, the other person does not have any idea that this friend has this feeling for them. This situation results in a friend zone where the person who is beginning to develop feelings finds it difficult to transition to being boyfriend or girlfriend.

This kind of heart-wrecking situation can be very frustrating, but there are ways for you to get out of this place.

So, can you escape the friend zone?

Here are some ways for you to be able to smoothly make the shift from being a friend to being a lover and move forward to the relationship stage:

1. Speak up

When you speak up and admit the truth, it is a sign of confidence and empowerment. By admitting your feelings, you are also showing that you have the conviction and courage to speak your mind without feeling scared of the outcome. If you do this, remember that there is nothing for you to lose, but you have everything to gain. It is better to take this one chance at love because it is your ultimate goal.

2. Use the monologue approach

The monologue approach is where you can get to have a chance to admit your feelings. And because it is a monologue, this will not require any response, which means that you can freely talk and say things that you want to say. This will also eliminate the tension of having to wait for the acceptance or approval of the other party.

3. Start by using a statement of fact

A statement of fact is all about information and that is how you are supposed to express your feelings. It is simply letting them know how you feel, although, they may also need the time to process this new input. But after you have expressed your feelings, stop speaking and remember that you are not waiting for an answer.

4. Keep it short

When you finally muster the courage to reveal your feelings, do not beat around the bush and keep your statement short. If it’s possible, just keep it to three to four sentences only. You do not have to explain why nor elaborate it. You also don’t need to plead or bargain because all you are doing is just stating the facts.

5. Don’t ask about how they feel about what you said

This is one major rule you must remember. You do not have to and should not give anyone, even the person you love, the power to validate your worth. You do not need anyone to do that for you. And when you ask, it means that you are not sure of your value, and it could be a sign that you are waiting for their approval and that you are not confident enough.

6. Make yourself scarce

Now that you have told them how you feel and you want to know if they value you, try to spend a little less time with your friend. If they value you in their lives, they will long for your presence and miss you. If they do not feel you around as much as you were there for them before, they will feel the loss.

7. Create competition

This is the time for you to broaden your circle of friends and social network. Make more friends from the opposite sex. When your friend begins to feel like they need to compete for your attention and time, they will value you more because of the thought that they might lose you. However, if you do not notice jealousy, then that could only mean one thing – they are not interested in being more than friends with you, and it’s time for you to stop expecting.