There's this guy I know, and he just so happens to be my best friend. When I'm bored and want someone to hang out with, he's usually one of the first people I text. He's the one I want to talk to about what's going on in my life, and I want to hear about his life just as much. We spend a good amount of our time together, and it has gotten to the point where my friends will ask me to ask him something for them, just because they know there's a 97 percent chance I'll see him at some point that day. And while I love that people can see how much we care about each other and how close we are, I hate having to deal with all of the questions you're guaranteed to get when your best friend is a guy.
I understand why people who have just met us question our relationship. To be honest, if I saw a guy and girl hang out as much as we did, the thought that they might be dating would probably cross my mind. What does bother me though is when friends that have known us for a long time still feel the need to ask about our friendship. The questions aren't always the same, and sometimes the comment isn't even the form of a question:
"Are you guys dating yet? You know it's going to happen sooner or later."
"You guys spend so much time together. Are you sure you don't like him?"
"Aw you guys are so cute! I can't wait for you to start dating!"
Why is it that we've reached the point that guys and girls can't be really good friends without being constantly bombarded with comments such as those? If we've told you that we're just friends, then the last thing we want is to constantly have to repeat that fact. Further, I'd like to know what it is exactly that differentiates between best friends and people who are dating. If we didn't text each other once a day or if we only hung out every other day as opposed to every day would we still be getting asked these questions? For reference, no one ever asks me if I have feelings for the girl I always get dinner with.
Sure, there are best friends that fall for each other, and if that happens that's fine too. But maybe we're not ready to immediately tell the whole world if that's the case. And as our friends, we ask that you respect that decision too. But for as many times as that happens, there are just as many times when it doesn't. So just try and make it easier for us and don't assume anything about our relationship. We'll let you know if and when something changes if and when we want to.
So like I said, I know this guy who's also my best friend, and I am beyond thankful for him. He's there when I need him and he gives some of the best advice. I'm happy that he's my best friend and that we don't have to deal with all of the pressure and other things that come with being in a relationship. So, to that guy, if you're reading this, thanks for being you and thanks for being my best friend that I'm not dating.
