8. From The Stands, With Love Episode 45
When Love and Friendship Collide: What To Do When You Fall For Your Best Friend
Hey everyone.
It’s Emma, back for another episode of From The Stands, With Love.
Today we’re talking about best friends and love. Especially the love part.
What do you do when out of the blue their touch lingers, and sends goosebumps across your skin? When their laugh tugs at your belly, taking your breath with it? When you catch yourself replaying your last conversation, and counting down the minutes until you talk again?
We all know the signs of a crush, but this isn’t any crush.
It’s your best friend.
And that changes everything.
We’re no longer talking minor league stuff. This is the playoffs.
Does that mean you shouldn’t play?
Let’s see what the playbook tells us.
First, check the tape. Evaluate the recent game play. Have they been acting differently around you? Holding eye contact longer? Suddenly shy? Calling more frequently? Watching the replay will help you identify if what you think is happening is actually happening.
Second, the friendship foundation test. This person is your best friend for a reason.
They know your deepest, darkest secrets, they can finish your sentences, and they’re the only one who can make you laugh when you’ve had a bad day.
That kind of foundation is rare, and exactly why many people are tempted to turn a friendship into something more. But only if both of you feel the same.
Third, the calculated risk. You’re never going to find the perfect time to tell your best friend you’re in love with them.
And not telling them may lead to regret or resentment.
This is what we call the ‘Hail Mary’ time.
The defensive line is charging, the clock is ticking, and you need six points.
What do you do? Throw the Hail Mary and risk it all?
Or do you take the hit and always wonder what could’ve been?
Fourth, the safety net. If you decide that you want to make the pass, you’ll need to trust the receiver. Be honest. Tell them how much you value their friendship, and that you’d hate for anything to come between you. Then let the ball fly, and hope they catch it.
I’m not saying this is easy. It’s not. There’s a lot on the line. But only you can decide how to move forward.
Lots of people date, and even marry their best friend. In fact, there's a whole trope dedicated to it. So it’s not uncommon.
Were you ever in love with your best friend? Did you throw the Hail Mary and leave it all on the field, or did you play it safe?
Share stories with us! We want to know.
That’s it for today.
This is your favorite neighborhood matchmaker, Emma, signing off.