Friendships come in many forms, from the friend who is always there to listen, to the friend who helps you through a hard time or just wants to hang out. It can be tough to find these people, but finding your true friends can improve all aspects of your life and help you feel more fulfilled.
There are plenty of signs to watch for that indicate a friendship is on its way towards becoming a relationship, though some can be subtle or even unexpected. Some of the most common signs include:
Taking a Long Time to Text Back
If you notice your friend texts you frequently but takes a long time to respond, this could be a sign that they don’t want to be in touch with you anymore. This may be a sign that they are busy or not interested in you as much as you are in them.
Leaving You Out of Their Plans
If your friend leaves you out of their plans to go out or attend an event, this can be a sign that they don’t think you are important enough to spend time with. It can also be a sign that they have no interest in hanging out with you at all.
Changing Pet Names
When your friend begins to use more formal pet names, like “babe,” you’ll know they are thinking about a romantic relationship. This is a very common progression from friends to lovers.
Body Language Changes
If the friend you’re seeing leans closer to your body and puts their arm around your shoulder, this is a great sign that they might be feeling more intimate with you than before. It’s also one of the most subtle friendship to lovers signs.
It’s normal to be nervous and shy when you start to date someone. But this is a sign that things have changed and you may need to step up your game if you are trying to win them over.
This is also a good time to start talking about your feelings for them and let them know how you feel. This can be a difficult conversation to have but will be well worth it in the end.
Having a Frustrating Relationship
If you have a friend who seems to be getting under your skin, this could be a sign that they are becoming toxic. It’s hard to break up with someone, but it can be helpful to talk about these issues with them to see if they can change their behavior or not.
Alternatively, if they are constantly badmouthing you to others, this is another sign that they don’t want to be your friend any longer. This is a great time to bring their behavior up, but be sure you don’t make it personal.
This can be a difficult choice to make, but it’s important for your mental and physical health. If you don’t feel good about the relationship, it’s best to end it.