According to a study, the friend zone phenomenon is when a person covets a romantic connection with a close friend that never materializes. You may be all too familiar with that definition, but don’t be discouraged—there are strategies for getting out of the friend zone.
In most cases, a man is looking for a woman with whom he could develop a romantic relationship. Now, if you find yourself in either of these situations or even the opposite, we are here to support you in your efforts to escape the friend zone. But first, let’s examine what the friend zone is in detail before we figure out how to exit it.
What Is The Friend Zone?
The Friend Zone, also known as the “buddy zone” or “non-romantic zone,” is a relationship status between 2 people that is exclusively non-romantic. Usually, one party is friend-zoned and that person usually wants to “get out” of the friend zone by becoming a potential romantic partner.
Is It Possible To Leave The Friend Zone?
Depending entirely on the type of friend zone you’re in will determine whether or not you can escape it. It’s time to give up if it’s the first scenario—you want to go beyond friendship but are certain that the person you fancy doesn’t want to go on a date with you. You already know they don’t feel anything for you, so it would be rude to try to force yourself on them.
But if you’re in friend zone type two—you want a romantic and/or sexual relationship and you assume your friend doesn’t, but haven’t actually confirmed—there may be a chance of getting out. The important thing to remember in this situation is that you cannot know how another person is feeling.
9 Ways Know You Are In The Friend Zone
- They advise bringing friends. Have you ever invited your special someone to lunch or event, only to have them text back, “Can my two closest pals come along?” If they want to bring their mother along, this is a bad sign that you are in the friend zone.
- They play matchmaker. Do you constantly notice them trying to “hook you up” with their friends? They might be doing this to gauge your interest in others, or they might actually be looking to hook you up with their friends.
- Your romantic feelings are refracted by them. Everything you do romantically is “just too cute” or coming from a “really good friend.”
- You’re like a “brother” or “sister” to them. There is absolutely nothing more.
- There’s no “spark.” People who are attracted frequently display flirtatious behaviors such as lip-licking, touching, and hair-preening. It might be a bad sign if there is no flirting going on. You might even sense this one in your gut.
- You change your plans to make room for them, but they don’t reciprocate. Because they’d rather watch the most recent episode on Netflix, they wouldn’t even go to your wedding. Bummer.
- When you’re around, they bring up their crush. In addition, they’ll discuss their future together (without you) and their most recent date with you. They’ll also explain to you why they find them so alluring.
- They don’t hesitate to expose their repulsive behaviors in your presence. All unpleasant habits are fair game, including loud coughing fits and ear and belly scratching.
- They take you for granted. “Hey, could you drop me off at the airport tomorrow? Thanks!” “Okay, let’s meet up so you can assist me in studying for my test tomorrow.”
How To Get Out Of The Friend Zone
1. Be The Catch
- Reprioritize. What obligations are you taking on that you wouldn’t fulfill with any other friend? Don’t regard them as superior. Make priority #1 YOU.
- Raise your confidence. Sorry, TV fans, but lounging on the couch while you watch Netflix doesn’t build confidence. It results from engaging behavior and interesting endeavors! Consider developing your hobbies, immersing yourself in the best self-help books, or taking a trip.
- Become the perfect mate. Think about the characteristics you want in a romantic partner. Are they talented chefs? Kind and compassionate? A superb bowler? Instead of waiting for them to come to you, work on these traits on your own, and you’ll improve your attractiveness as a result. And it doesn’t even matter if you’re not in their “league.” One study showed that spending time with a person can make someone appear more attractive, given you have the right traits they’re looking for.
- Seek out more admirable individuals. Find other “potential mates.” If you put all your eggs in one basket, you might be let down. One person’s needs will only be exacerbated by overconcentrating on them. Keep your options open to create options.
- Enhance your wardrobe. Do you still sport the same T-shirts that you did during your college freshman year? It’s time to rebrand yourself and get rid of the old you if you want to feel more assured. I advise beginning with color, which is the most fundamental. Discover how the color of your clothing can genuinely alter your mood. I want you to admire your appearance..if you do, it’s more likely they will too.
- Treat anxiety. I used to suffer from MAJOR social anxiety, avoiding raucous environments, spending more time by myself, and generally disliking myself. Although I am aware that it is difficult, the sooner you begin acting responsibly, the better. 24 Powerful Tips to Deal with Anxiety is a great place to start.
- Self-worth. Do you believe that you are achieving your goals? High self-worth individuals are aware of their abilities. Become the business owner you’ve always wanted to be if you don’t already have it.
- Don’t pull stunts. There’s a reason they say “Play hard to get.” Some people play themselves up to the point of clownishness. Stop trying to impress people, don’t show off, and wait for them to approach you.
2. Focus On Dopamine
- Try a new class. Or sign up for a group lesson through Meetup or a Facebook group.
- Set up a new ritual. Make a commitment to dining somewhere new every Thursday. Every Saturday, make an effort to create a different home cocktail. On Sunday, watch an adventure film. Make it a repeatable activity while attempting something novel together.
- Ask THEM for favors. According to the Ben Franklin Effect, people are more likely to like you back when you ask them for a favor. Why? Since they don’t already like you, why would they do you a favor? It is traditional psychology, and it is effective.
- Be a cultivator. Always be able to demonstrate something to others. Have a favorite magic trick, a cool stamp collection, or photos from special occasions on your phone. Send them humorous posts, videos, or GIFs. Producing dopamine will add value.
- Be humorous. Dad jokes included, sharing jokes with others is a great way to increase dopamine! Visit our How to Be Funny guide to learn how to be humorous.
- A new recipe night is suggested. Visit your preferred cooking blog or YouTube channel and try something new! Find a dish you’ve never made before, and try regularly incorporating new recipes.
- Explore a new area or go on a new hike. By altering your usual route, you can add variety to your daily stroll.
3. Focus On Oxytocin
The first way we produce oxytocin is with any kind of physical touch
Strong eye contact is the second method for generating oxytocin.
Increased inter-conversation touching is the third strategy.
4. Focus On Adrenaline
- take a little road trip
- go on an adventure throughout your city or town
- try skydiving or bungee jumping
- start motorcycling together
- go to a theme park
- skydive together
- watch scary movies
- taste test hot sauce
- turn grocery shopping into an adventure: go on a hunt, navigate the aisles like it’s a new adventure, and have fun!
Conclusion
Being friend-zoned can seem like the end of the world, but in reality, it’s not as bad as it sounds. At least it indicates that your crush thinks highly of you as a person. This might even serve as the basis for romance if handled well. Even if you don’t succeed in making the person fall in love with you, you will have gained a friend – that’s not so bad after all.