Signs a Friendship Is Turning Into Love
Sometimes, love appears in the most unexpected of places. A friendship may turn into something more, when you least expect it. You may have concerns that your friendship will suffer if you go down the path of romance. The first thing to do is be aware of the common signs that a friendship is turning into love.
A man kissing a woman on the cheek. (Image: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images)Body Language
Body language says a great deal about how someone feels about you. A guy who is romantically interested in you may lean toward you when you talk or he may take every opportunity to make physical contact with you, according to dating coach Marni Battista in the article, "5 Ways to Know if a Guy is Interested In You," for "YourTango." Mirroring is another subtle body language technique, says body language expert Judi James in the article, "Language of Love." Mirroring involves imitating the other person's style and pace of movement. Observe your friend's body language and be aware of how you use your body language around him. If you gaze at him with wide eyes, laugh at all his jokes -- even if they aren't funny -- and show signs of coyness like cocking your head to one side or looking up at him through your eyelashes, then these are typical female flirting signs.
Biological Response
When you fall in love, you may feel giddy or you may experience a loss of appetite and you can't think about anything other than the object of your affection. This is because of chemistry, explains psychologist Maryanne Fisher in the article, "The Science Behind Falling in Love." When you're attracted to someone, dopamine in the brain releases those happy, excited feelings, triggering an increase in testosterone, which boosts sexual desire. If you are preoccupied with thoughts of your friend and experience nerves or butterflies in your belly when you are around him, these are common signs that you see him as more than a friend.
The Feeling Is Mutual
For a friendship to turn into love, the feelings must be mutual. Consider if your friend is acting differently around you -- for no apparent reason. You may both be finding excuses to spend more time together than you normally would. You may be in constant contact with each other through text messaging, emailing and social media messaging. If your messages are becoming flirtatious or suggestive, this is a definite sign that a romantic bond is forming. It is easier to drop hints about your true feelings for someone from afar than it is in person.
You're Both Single
You may have witnessed women coming in and out of your friend's life and perhaps have even been there to lend a sympathetic ear after a breakup. Perhaps you played matchmaker and set him up with one of your friends, and vice versa. Whatever part you played in each other's love lives before, things will be very different if you are falling in love with each other. Your friend may become quiet, moody or irritable or may show jealous behavior if you talk about another guy. You may feel the same if he mentions another girl. You may not even want to talk about your exes, because all you can think about is being with him. If neither of you show any desire to date other people and would rather spend time together than with any potential partners, this is a strong clue that you are becoming more than friends.
