PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

You may have been friends for years. You shared secrets, talked about each other’s relationships, and knew you were always destined to be buddies. But now it seems something has changed. First, you notice that you can’t wait for your best friend to call. You get nervous when you are around each other, and the thought of your best friend with another love interest is invoking feelings of envy and jealousy. You ask yourself, "Is it possible? Have I actually fallen in love with my best friend?"

When friendship turns to love you are faced with some challenging issues. The first dilemma is obvious; does he or she feel the same way? You may find yourself asking this question repeatedly in your head. Next, you may try to foresee into the future. "What would happen if I told my best friend how I am feeling?" The thoughts are puzzling, for sure, and with a number of different possible answers, the scenarios undoubtedly continuously play in your mind. First, you visualize telling your friend how you feel, the daydream continues as your best friend reaches out to you and lets you know that they share the same sentiments. You embrace, kiss, and live happily ever after, right? Well, that is only one scenario. More than likely, you rehearse another scene as well.

You find the courage to tell your best friend how you feel. As soon as the words leave your mouth, you can tell by the wounded look in their eyes that they do not return the emotion. Your best friend shakes their head and can’t believe that you just ruined your friendship. Now they inform you that they will never be able to look at you the same way again, and announce that they need time to think. Your fears have come to pass, and you are afraid that you’ve lost them twice, as a lover and a friend. You are devastated, lock yourself indoors, and swear never to be seen in public again.

Telling your best friend how you feel involves a certain degree of risk, and yes, there is a chance that they may not be receptive to the idea. The answer to the dilemma is simple; there is no easy answer. If you want to move from friendship to romance, you will have to tell your friend how you feel. However, in all cases one thing is certain, honesty is the best policy. You will only cause your heart greater pain if you try to deny your feelings and continue your friendship in a platonic manner.

Could you imagine double dating with your best friend and keeping your feelings a secret? What would you do at his or her wedding when the minister asks the infamous words, "Speak now or forever hold your peace." Are you willing to be forever silent in order to remain peaceful with your buddy? For the sake of your heart, your mind, and your sanity you should tell your best friend how you feel. But you should understand the risks that are involved and be prepared for whatever may come your way.