From Friends To Forever

The Lion's Den w/Ebonylion Radio Show/Podcast

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How an Old Friend Became My Unexpected True Love

 "Sometimes the best love stories aren't the ones that start with a bang but with a gentle, familiar spark."
 

The Seeds of Friendship

It was all fun and jokes. Every day all day and then we went on about our lives after the laughs.  We would discuss what was going lightly in our relationships, but it was all in the background when we hung out together.  This would go on for years.  There was always a kindred understanding of each other among girlfriends.  There too is a unique comradery with your male friends as well.  They are like brothers from another mother. You'd have your inside jokes.  Trade glances at each other, that no one else would understand. You could also console one another when life got rough. Over time you build a deep connection just like you have with all your friends.  But were there ever thoughts of more than a friendship? Not really.  I would be dating whomever and so would he.  He was always just a friend. Though you both knew you were both attractive people.  You never really questioned changing the friendship to anything more.  It was almost a foreign though.
 

The Unexpected Shift

So much happens in life.  None of us are immune to the trials and tribulations.  Of course, you know that special circle of friends that will always have your back.  Some will ride out the storms while also seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with you.  It's not until you have all these life experiences that you look back and realize those particular friends who are still there.  The ones that have been there through the worst of times. 

Through The Worst of Times.

Experiences that were so bad you have tried to forget.  However, there comes a time when you have a moment of reflection and a conversation about that one thing that happened, the one only your oldest friends know about.  You then realize who has been there supporting you all along. You start to think about all the things that have happened and never once have you doubted their support.  Never once have you needed them and they weren't there. Maybe they have been more than just a friend all along?
 

Navigating the Transition

Now that you're older you realize what you need from a partner.  You scan the past relationships and suddenly your guy friend keeps emerging in your mind.  You think to yourself; should I have considered my friend from the beginning?  He has never let me down. Suddenly the fear of revealing these thoughts to him takes over.  What if your friend doesn't feel the same way? Will it change the friendship forever? Am I willing to take the risk?   

Taking the Leap

It's a bold move that takes a lot of courage.  So you let it out.  You say it with trepidation and angst hoping for the best.  To my surprise, his response was that he had been thinking the same thing all along.  Instead, he too wanted to protect the friendship and never said a word.  Never created an awkward moment. Rather he just stayed my best friend all these years, even when there was distance between us. 

Blossoming into Love

We decided to be open to the possibility. There was no rush and our friendship will never go away. We would let time and effort dictate the next phase and open the door for intimacy to grow.  It's still a little weird, but I have never felt safer than with a friend that I trust. 

Love in Familiarity

It's almost funny how much we can reflect on now that we have come to a different place in our friendship, now relationship.  Although we are in a different place we are in a familiar place. The love seems to come easily. Have you ever experienced a similar feeling?  Whereas you started to look at an old friend in a whole new light or know someone else who has.  Keep an open mind and an open heart. You never know what is in store for you. Because of this friendship, I recognize a unique bond not that the friendship has evolved to more. You too might just find love in a place you least expected it.   Reflect on how your deep-rooted connection made the transition smoother and more genuine.
 

Share Your Story
  - Share your own stories of unexpected love or thoughts on rekindling old connections.
  - Have you ever cross the line with a friend and regretted it? What happened?