How to Date with a Friends-First Approach pt. 1

Song of Songs 8:4

“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

Navigating the waters of a friends-first approach to dating can be both thrilling and challenging. At its core, it's about building a relationship on a solid foundation of friendship. The key is to take Song of Songs 8:4 to heart and not rush the process but allow it to unfold in its perfect timing.

Here’s how to do it:

Develop Genuine Friendship

For the friends-first approach to dating to “work,” it’s important to treat the connection like any other budding friendship. Simply hang out together just as you would with any of your friends. It's all about being yourselves and enjoying each other's company, which helps build a strong, natural connection. This foundation of friendship offers a unique opportunity to see each other in various situations and learn about each other’s values and character.

Be Clear About Your Intentions

So, this is where it’s essential to strike a balance. You definitely want to keep things friends-focused, but you also want to prevent misunderstandings. It’s important to be clear about your potential interest in a romantic relationship to ensure you’re on the same page. For example, you can say something like, "I really enjoy spending time with you and getting to know you as a friend. I'm also open to the idea of us maybe being more than friends in the future. How do you feel about that?" This way, you're letting them know where you stand without putting too much pressure on the situation. It's all about being honest and straightforward so both of you know what to expect and can decide how you want to move forward together.

Take Things Slow

Allow the relationship to progress naturally. Don't rush into romantic gestures or declarations of love. Let the comfort and trust that comes with friendship lead the way to romance. This patient approach ensures that when romantic feelings do emerge, they are deeply rooted in a well-established friendship. The trust and understanding already in place become the foundation for a more profound and meaningful romantic connection.