should best friends of 6 years cross the line and start a relationship?
82523
You have to evaluate your friendship.  If it is strong enough to withstand the awkwardness of a failed relationship then go for it.  If you feel your friendship might not survive if the relationship broke up then you should just stay friends.  The difference between a friendship and a relationship is razor thin and yet a world appart so becareful.
613912
Hi! That happened to me before, my male bestfriend was falling in love with me, everyone in our group knows about it and advising me that it would be better to have a boyfriend from the bestfriend level as it always works. But I kind of aloof everytime I know he might ask me a question, or something as I only want to remain friends. Because what I believe before, if we became boyfriends/girlfriends and split up, we might never be friends again, and I like having him as my best friend. I was a teenager back then. Now i'm 30 and he's now married. And I'm still single.\n\nLet her know how you feel when she's no longer in a relationship. Or if you can't wait that long, let her know now, who knows. She might be open minded about it and let you know how she feels for you.\n\nCheers!\n\nMitch
613077
This was on Oprah today... Even tho they were married, but anyway...\n\nYes, your friend was not your friend.. A true, BEST friend would NEVER even consider it.  Give the "friend" and the "boyfriend" up and find new ones. You are better than that, and there are so many more people to meet! You are worth it!  Don't lower your standards for people who don't care about you and how you feel.  Never settle.  Good luck honey!
832347
There's nothing wrong with it, especially if your feelings are genuine, but keep in mind that you could get hurt pretty bad given you start up a relationship. He could use you, or date you for a while but then flat out tell you that he's uncomfortable. Six years is not that big of a difference, but even age differences like that could result in some professional frowning-down on his part (like if he has a big corporate job and they find out he's seeing someone younger). But like I said, six years isn't that MUCh of a difference to be worried about. I knew someone who was about 19 or 20 and she dated a 36 year old guy, but they broke up because of the age difference.\n\nI just read your edit...I have to tell you that twenty is a whole different world from fourteen. So like I said, be careful!
717031
No, there are rules to dating your best friends ex you know. That would just be wrong.
1127957
Maybe it is not only the risk of being hurt, but the risk of losing her best friend. Sometimes it isn't worth the risk of losing your friend to see if a romantic relationship may or may not work. The best thing you can do is be 100% honest with her. In order to do that you first must be 100% honest with yourself. If the romantic relationship does not work out for whatever reason, are you sure you can go back to "just being friends"? In all honesty, that may be irrelevant because in your mind at least, the two of you are no longer just friends.
222545
Certainly. I've been in that situation several times and it didn't screw up the friendship and no one got hurt. Yes, you have to have well respected boundaries and have to be able to communicate honestly to avoid misunderstanding. If both of you can do that, then it can work out wonderfully.
204418
definitly not wrong in fact that is how the true long time relationships start, you cut all the bullshit because you know each other allready.\nflip side is that you have to be sure your friend feels the same way or it could damage your friendship.\nGo with your gut
626541
yes. it's actually not a question on the guy's side but on the girls since girls are a lot sensitive compare to boys. rivalry between the close friend and the girlfriend will never be avoided. so why not try to be close friends with your girlfriend or fall for your best friend? :)
728195
best friends make the best long time partners. they know all your faults and love you in spite of them or because of them. run with it.
898873
You've got to be absolutely sure its GOING to work before you jump into that.\n\nOtherwise, you'll end up losing the love and friendship of your best friend.\n\nI'm serious... think about it and ask yourself, "Is it worth losing a friend?"
1142593
6 years is pretty long and yet he does not want anything serious. Obviously you both want different things. Whats' the point then? Perhaps you grow too comfortable with him not necessary content. Time to move on and look for someone different.
95172
If it were me, I would tell them both that their friendship is more important to you right now and try to explaine that you might not be ready for a stead relationship at this time. That way you're not having to choose and possibly breaking up what the 3 of you have right now. Sometimes the best things are the hardest to do, because it's almost certain you will lose 1 if not both if you choose.
770924
Girl, go with the flow.  He probably is freaked out about it and wandering if he should or shouldn't.  When you have been friends and I mean best friends for so long it is a big step to cross that boundary because most of the time once you go all the way you never can get the same friendship back.  Give him time and it will work out if it is meant to be.  Some things just are not made to rush>  Good luck.
454460
I did it...8 years ago.  We've been married for the last 7!!!  So, it's ok.  BUT know that once you cross that line, there will be no going back to "the way things were" as friends.  So decide if you like him enough to risk a good friendship before you make your move.  Maybe think about it for awhile before you decide...even if you think you're really, really sure.
380107
You have to decide for yourself, can you see yourself with this person for the rest of your life and are you sure that you arent jumping into the first thing that seems like a relationship without getting to know the person. sex shouldnt be an issue until you have become best friends with him. take it slowly that way you won't get hurt
1021154
Six years is not such a big difference.  Try talking to her and telling her your real intentions, that way, maybe she will look at you from a different point of view.  Good luck!  :)