Friend Zoning Myself
Typically when we hear or think of the phrase “friend zone” we think of rejection. We think of unrequited love. We think of wanting someone romantically who doesn’t want us back — one-sided feelings. For me, though, these days I think of the friend zone as a protective barrier and preventative measure to avoid getting hurt. Call it a condom for feelings! The friend zone is a safe zone. I know because I’ve experienced what happens on the outside of it. When I’m just friends with a guy there seem to be so many more benefits for me than if I were to engage in a romantic relationship with him.
I get inside info
My male friends fill me in on their real thoughts and opinions about dating. Being platonic affords me a behind-the-scenes pass I wouldn’t possess otherwise. For example, I recently had a friend explain to me in detail why he ghosted a girl he was pursuing. I bet that woman would kill for a crumb of an explanation 🥴
I bypass betrayal
Let’s just be honest. Men don’t stop being attracted to other women when they start seriously dating someone. They still want to flirt, like girls’ photos, and just be around women. Boundaries are of course to be established when two people decide to commit to each other, but how often does drama ensue within couples over these issues? I sleep well at night knowing I’m not getting cheated on. From the sidelines I can watch my guy friends chase after girls and then later hear all about how it was actually just a moment of lust.
We’re in it for the long haul
I value friendships deeply, whether it’s with men or women. By skipping out on romance with the men in my life I can count on nurturing long-term relationships with them. I don’t have to be concerned with a messy breakup destroying our bond. We’ll most likely be homies for life.
We’ve built a strong foundation
If by some miraculous fate we do decide to date in the future, we’ll have years of friendship to stand on. We’ll know each other in and out and there will be a deeper level of accountability and respect. When asked how he’s been able to stay faithful to long-time wife Victoria, David Beckham once said, “Why would I hurt my best friend?”
