Dating your best friend

You've known him since kindergarten.  You've explored the woods, raced to the secret watering hole, investigated your weird neighbor's backyard and you've both been inseparable since.  You've shared secrets, dreams and even his bed and blanket during your sleepovers in summer.  You've laughed at his jokes, cheered on him on his triumphs, gave him a pat on the back when he needed it the most.  

You've seen him more like a brother from another mother and squirm at the idea of "sharing spit" with him until you see him at senior prom in that fancy tux, looking like a James Bond clone.  You've never looked at him the same way again. You've also noticed him giving you that cute, but awkward glance when he sees you walk in clad in a sexy white number and your hair perfectly coiffed.

You hate to admit it but you actually find his guffaws sexy and his awkward smirk cute.  He dismisses his jealousy towards the guys you dated and talked to as a sign of protectiveness:  He just doesn't want to see you get hurt so he claims. You have both openly flirted with each other. 

And then it hit you:  Could you be falling for your best friend?  Could you actually date him?  

It's not actually a bad thing to date your best friend, but there are a few things to consider in going through the transition from being the ultimate BFF to GF.  

The perks of dating your best friend

Sure, it could get a bit icky at first but here are just a few things that could relieve a bit of that awkwardness:

1.  Friendship is a good foundation for any relationship - sure, it may not be as glamorous as having a whirlwind affair with someone you just met but being with someone who already knows you from inside and out relieves you of the dilemma of keeping your bad side from spawning for as long as you can.  He's seen you at your worst and knows how to respond to your personal weaknesses and quirks that could help strengthen your relationship. 

2.  He's as comfortable as an old sock - Gone is that awkward "best foot forward" phase when you need to run to the bathroom for a gargle of Listerine after waking up next to him.  When you're dating your best friend, you no longer need to hide anything from him.  You can go straight to hanging out with him in your oversized shirt on Saturday nights. 

3. No more awkward silences - Here's the difference between dating a best friend and dating someone you're just attracted to:  the awkward silence post-sex, after running out of things to talk about and during a long trip.  You get the drift.  

4. You get two for a price of one - Dating your best friend does not necessarily mean you'll lose him as friend.  In fact, you are still getting the best of both worlds.  Once the passion starts to fizzle, he still makes for a good company which is a recipe for a relationship that's built to last.  (Take it from me.  I've been with my guy for 6 wonderful years). 

5. You already know his parents - You no longer have to go through the whole "Meet the parents" dilemma because you already know them since you were six.  You've had breakfast in their house ever since first grade and you've had your pictures taken with him on their family room.  Impressing them may not be that hard.  As a matter of fact, it may no longer be necessary. 

The Big Catch

It's not always rainbows and butterflies when dating someone you've known since kindergarten. 

1. Falling in love for the wrong reasons - Before taking the plunge and deciding it's worth losing what you and your best friend has to take your relationship with him to the next level, you need to know why you're doing it in the first place.  Did you just break up with your ex?  Are you just a convenient fuck buddy?  If your reasons for taking your friendship to the next step isn't clear cut or doesn't jive, it's best to keep the romantic possibility open.  Otherwise, you might end up losing on a perfectly great, albeit platonic relationship. 

2. It could go awry - Your best friend may treat you differently when you're his girlfriend compared to when you were just his best friend.  Remember that Boyfriend and Best friend are two entirely different entities.  For instance, there are things you cannot tell your boyfriend, even if he used to be your best friend:  The guy in your class who was hitting on you, the crazy weekend you spent with a couple of your colleagues, etc.  There are just a lot to relinquish when stepping down the BFF throne.  Besides, when things go awry between you two, who are you gonna run and rant to?

3.  Familiarity breeds contempt - Although knowing him from inside out may not be a bad thing, your relationship could become a bit too predictable which could translate to BORING and HO-HUM.  I mean, you know how he loves to drink milk from the carton and snores like a pig.  What's left to discover, right? 

4. You're not just losing your girlfriend, you'll also be losing your best friend - Let's face it.  Relationships are like glass:  it could break anytime.  And when the love is gone and it's time to say goodbye, you lose your guy.  And in your case, when things turn sour, you not only lose your boyfriend.  You could also lose your best friend and it could take a long time before you regain the same relationship with him as before.