The person you're so comfortable with and get together with almost on a daily basis, aka your best friend, is making you feel different lately. You are not even sure how to define your feelings. They seem a lot like love, but you're unsure. It is totally normal to care for him or her, but how do you know you're in love with your best friend?
Start analyzing your behavior by going through a list of 10 signs meant to shed light on your true feelings. If you realize that you are utterly infatuated by him or her, then our suggestions will help you figure out what to do next.
10 Signs You're Enamoured With Your Best Friend
1. You start turning to them for everything
Your best friend is your go-to person. You want to share the most insignificant details with him or her. Even going to a farmer's market is more enjoyable when they are around. Although the desire to connect with your BFF is natural, it might be about something more if you feel like oversharing.
2. They are your favorite person to hang out with
How do you know if you like your best friend? In his or her company, you don't feel judged and you can behave in any way you want. Moreover, you even allow yourself to be silly from time to time without experiencing any embarrassment afterwards. Because of all this, you invite him or her to hang out a lot. It doesn't matter where you go and what you do as long as you are together.
3. You feel jealous when potential partners appear
We all want what's best for our friends. However, you have the tendency to over-analyze every potential partner your friend has. There's an irritating voice in your head telling you that he or she can do better. In addition, you often fear they will be less available to meet you if they get involved in a relationship.
4. They are a priority for you
It's Friday night and you're prepared to go out and have fun. Next thing you know, your best friend calls you because he or she needs to vent. Instead of politely excusing yourself, you give up your plans and listen to them for hours.
This gesture isn't an unwavering proof of love. However, it is a selfless gesture which we usually do for people we deeply care for. You can count it as one of the signs you are in love with your best friend.
5. You pay more attention to your looks
Your best friend has already seen you not looking your best. You used to storm through the door and jump in his or her arms whenever you needed comfort. Lately, however, you think about looking nice for him or her. It's not that you're fishing for compliments, but you must admit they make you feel good about yourself.
6. Their appearance seems more attractive
Did you check your best friend out from time to time or is it something you've just started doing? Maybe you were always aware of how attractive he or she is, but you never thought of him or her that way.
7. You fantasize about kissing and more
When you fantasize about physical contact with your best friend, things become clearer. Physical attraction is not proof of love either, but it's not something that commonly happens between friends. Take this sign seriously if you are sexually attracted to your best friend.
8. Their presence improves your mood
It's easy to feel good when you're around your BFF. He or she changes your mood almost instantly. There's something in the way he or she smiles and encourages you.
9. You compare them with your dates
Because you get along so well with your best friend, you have the tendency to compare your dates with him or her. Looks don't count much in this situation. We are referring to behavioral traits that you might be looking for in a possible romantic partner.
10. Putting a smile on their face makes you happy too
How do you know you're in love with your best friend? You feel genuinely happy when you see him or her happy. Moreover, you love to make your best friend laugh and lift their spirits. You send funny videos and memes when you're apart.
6 Ways to Deal With Loving Your Best Friend
1. Closely observe their behavior around you
Before you take any action regarding your true feelings for your best friend, it is recommended to closely observe him or her. Look out for signs such as physical touch, prolonged eye contact, suggestive smiles, and undivided attention.
When you hang out with other people, does your best friend mingle or stay by your side?
2. Consider their relationship status
If your best friend is in a relationship, then it is advisable not to talk about your feelings. It would be unfair and selfish from your side. Instead, wait and see how things develop between them. In case your love for him or her is strong enough, you will find the needed patience required to wait.
3. Make sure your feelings are strong enough
Don't rush into their arms to confess your love as soon as you accept it. Give yourself time to process these feelings and make sure they are steady. Try not to turn a great friendship into a fling. Carefully evaluate the pros and cons. Are you prepared to ruin your friendship over a temporary infatuation?
4. Try flirting with them and teasing them
Test their reaction by giving compliments, acting playful, and by touching them lightly. If he or she responds in a positive manner by flirting back and teasing you, then you're on the right track. You shouldn't change the way you act suddenly, though. Take things slowly.
5. Open up and talk about your feelings
Talking freely and sincerely about your feelings is another option. If things between you don't evolve naturally, then you can declare your love. That's easier said than done, we know. However, gather your strength and talk to him or her if you don't want to live with the feeling of unrequited love from now on.
6. Prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario
When you share the way you feel to your best friend, expect the best and the worst. This is your best strategy. If you get rejected, you will be prepared for it. Conversely, if he or she feels the same way or is open to trying, you will be thrilled.
Don't expect an immediate reaction either. You didn't realize you were in love with your best friend overnight. Also, you already took the needed time to accept this idea, a fact which cannot be said about your BFF.
Summary
Best friends often become romantically involved and the luckiest ones stay together for life. The odds are in your favor, but first, make sure your feelings are real and strong. It's not worth giving up a constructive and rewarding friendship for a few months of fun.