When you start to date your best friend, you gain a lot: a protector, undeniable confidence, and a feverish determination to make your relationship work. But you also lose a lot and learn a lot. Read on to find out why taking on the challenge is a tough feat, but at the end of the day, totally worth it.

Is it best to date your best friend?

If you want a casual, fun, short-term relationship, for instance, it may not be a good idea to date your best friend. If youre interested in a long-term life partner or just looking for a partner who knows you well, you might enjoy dating your best friend or having your partner be your best friend.

How does the relationship change when you start dating your best friend?

When you start dating your best friend, the dynamics of your friendship change. They are still your best friend, but you will now be romancing this person and that is kind of scary. The proposition of being romantic with your best friend can leave you both feeling like youre grasping at straws to stay afloat.

How is it to date your best friend?

If you want to date a single friend, it is best to keep it light. “Treat them like a friend, and start by getting to know each other; then go for drinks, and see what happens,” Metselaar says. Extend an invite, but dont invite others. Pick a datelike spot.