How to Transition from Dating to Friends
It can be tough to make the transition from dating to friends. You may feel like you’re losing a potential partner, or that you’ve lost all connection with the person you were dating.
At first, you might be reluctant to blur the lines between feelings of love and friendship. But there are ways to make the transition smoothly and without too much pain. Here are four tips to help you make the change successfully.
1. Talk about your feelings
The first step is to talk about your feelings with the person you were dating. Tell them how you feel and why you think it would be a good idea to transition to friendship. This will help them understand where you’re coming from, and it will also give them a chance to express their feelings.
When you are in an unhappy relationship, it is tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can be hard to stomach being with someone who doesn’t make you happy, but you might be staying in the relationship for several reasons.
Maybe you’re scared of being alone, or maybe you think that this is as good as it gets. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that you deserve to be happy in your relationship. If you’re not, then it might be time to reconsider whether or not this is the right relationship for you.
Whatever your reasons might be, it is possible to stay friends with an ex. If you work together or have a lot of mutual friends it might even be a good idea to stay cordial. There is a good chance your partner is feeling the same way, so open a dialogue to determine what happens next.
2. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries for being friends with an ex can be hugely beneficial when you’re transitioning from dating to platonic friendship. You need to make sure that you’re both on the same page about what kind of relationship you want.
For example, you might want to be friends but not talk about your dating history. Or, you might want to be friends but not go out to the same events. You might also choose to unfollow each other on social media. Make sure you’re both clear about what you want before you make the transition.
It’s important to remember that you are two separate people now, and you don’t need to put up with anything that makes you uncomfortable. If your ex starts pressuring you to do things you don’t want to do or tries to start arguments with you, it’s time to put your foot down.
You don’t need to tolerate this behavior, and you certainly don’t need to try to work things out with someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Also, remember that you are under no obligation to stay in regular contact with your ex. If your boundaries are not respected, you can always walk away from the friendship.
3. Be honest
You need to be honest with each other about what happens next. If you’re not sure if you want to be friends or more, tell the person how you feel. Don’t try to force yourself into a friendship if you’re not ready.
Similarly, don’t try to push for more than what the other person is comfortable with. Honesty is key in any relationship, and it’s especially important when you’re transitioning from dating to friendship.
For instance, if you were already friends before you started a romantic relationship, talk through whether you want to go back to being friends or not. If your relationship has ended amicably and you can separate your past experiences from your friendship it would be a shame to lose touch with someone you have bonded with.
With that being said, if you don’t think you can handle going from lovers to friends, then it might be better to end things now. It is better to cut off ties as soon as possible rather than trying to force a friendship that is not meant to be long-term.
4. Give it time
When you’re going through a breakup, it can feel like the whole world is crashing down on you. All of a sudden, your life seems pointless and everything you once loved doesn’t seem to matter anymore. It’s natural to feel this way, but it’s important not to let yourself stay in this negative mindset.
The transition from dating to friendship can take some time. Don’t expect to be best friends right away. It takes time to build a strong friendship, so be patient. If you’re both committed to the transition, you’ll eventually get there.
Time alone might not repair your friendship, but what you choose to do with your time can make a huge difference. For instance, if you are both part of a larger group of friends spending time with other people can help you both to address any worries or concerns they might have about your breakup.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a way to move on after a breakup but still want to keep in touch, why not try becoming friends with benefits first? If you are both compatible in the bedroom but do not want to remain monogamous, a friends with benefits situation could work. Again, be clear with any boundaries from the start to avoid any complications.
However, if you are used to regular sexual satisfaction, and that is what holds you from breaking up, you can look for alternatives. For example, you can find a temporary partnership through hookup sites, or you could also hire an escort. Another option could be investing in a realistic sex doll. You can look for the Cheapest wm dolls in a material like Thermoplastic Elastomer that gives these dolls soft, lifelike skin for enhanced satisfaction. This could help you to move on from past relationship without compromising your sexual pleasure.
The transition from lovers to friends can be challenging
Breaking up with someone you cared about is never easy. It’s even more difficult if the person used to be your best friend or partner in crime. When it comes to dating, however, sometimes it’s just not meant to be.
Ultimately, there are many reasons why a relationship might end and there isn’t always one single reason that can explain this sudden change. However, if you do both want to stay friends communication will be key to ensuring that you can both move on in a healthy way.
