Just Friends: How to Tell Someone You Just Want to be Friends

Breaking the news that you just want to be friends can be challenging. It’s kind of like ripping off a band-aid – it might sting a little, but it’s best to get it over with as quickly and painlessly as possible. Whether you’re worried about hurting someone’s feelings or simply unsure how to navigate this tricky conversation, fear not! We’ve put together your ultimate guide on how to tell someone you just want to be friends.

Why being honest is important

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of telling someone you just want friendship, let’s talk about why honesty is crucial in any relationship – romantic or platonic. Honesty forms the basis for trust, mutual respect and authenticity in any relationship. If your heart isn’t fully in it romantically speaking then expressing that truth will always lead to more success long term than trying (and inevitably failing) otherwise.

Be clear from the beginning

It may seem easier out when things start between yourself and another person – they make their intentions known without making room for interpretation; however if alignment isn’t communicated early on at all then once one party has become invested most wishy-washy behaviour could easily go south

Don’t beat around the bush

Sugarcoating rejection never takes off its edge (1) . Not offering closure means leaving people hanging which leads up resentment further down-the-line so gently but directly say “I appreciate our time spent together getting-to-know each other better but unfortunately I don’t see what could progress into anything deeper “. That gives both parties clarity on everyone’s footing though forward motion-less

Take responsibility instead of Placing blame

If initiating state change often feels aggressive because “’x-person did y'” Or “‘This situation created by …….’” But being honest about no longer feeling romantic towards them doesn’t come with negative connotations or blame. They may have been as charming and delightful a person now as they were back then but things just did not grow in the way that you had hoped.

In doing so, we are taking responsibility for our own feelings instead of placing the perceived “blame” on anyone else It defines clearly how one individual views where they stand at present (2)

Emphasize friendship

Sometimes all it takes is to re-frame your intentions. Instead of saying, “I don’t see anything more happening between us,” try something like “Hey I think maybe we’ve both felt some awkwardness around how to proceed with each other; could we redirect our energies from romance to platonism?(3) This ensures that both parties know there’s still chance for meaningful connection going forward.

Timing Matters

Just because something needs addressing doesn’t mean any time is the best possible time do so! e.g:

Don’t wait too long

Don’t allow months/ years pass by before you broach this topic onto said person especially if their romantic interest level remains legit ,holding off may seem an easier option but timing does matter even during mentally taxing scenarios

Choose The right setting

There’s no worse location than somewhere either noisy or over-crowded for such conversations – (with regard to CoronaVirus pandemic) plus consider adhering social distancing protocol). You need privacy and peaceful environs-therefore appropriate place choice will placed emphasis on seriousness of what u want communicate

Be Mindful Of Their Feelings

Surely you respect sharing news regarding your side but take into account when execute/disclose under-presented information be assured shall experience huge impact upon them .So approach empathetically when expressing opinion

Listen Attentively

Clearly emphasizing not wanting anything beyond friendship status hands power others if ambition grows its come direct hence listen attentively hearing points-of-view without belittling them based on reaction for removing the “let’s date” notion

Empathize & Offer a solution

Empathy is rapidly disappearing from our world but it’s what binds us as human beings which leads to health connectivity even when subliminally .So when initiating talks you can say something like “I know this might be hard for you, I feel connected towards u and don’t want any negative energy of we’re friends now ruining everything. What do YOU think about that?”(4) It can guide how next steps are taken because puts in work-of-thought

Don’t Ghost Them

The rule with anyone-not just romantic connections- treat people as u would hope to be treated – radio silence isn’t an acceptable option, we remove little by little basic humane dignity moving-on paramount equal roughly understanding volume of interaction still suits either or not yet before.

Be vigilant finding Right verbal cues

When sending such texts avoid inciting hostile emotions while maintaining good-bye nature avoiding distance further relationship increase Friend-zone bond more probably developing if handled careful manner

Wrapping Up

It’s tough navigating the waters of friendship vs romance )5; however, being honest upfront makes life easier in the long run. Expressing your interest (or non-interest) clearly and empathically ensures both parties move forward constructively-all experiences will count so respect outcomes following words shared .

(1) a spin-off from my birth country Turkey where vanilla icecream coated swimming pools were temporarily used as exam preparation locations short-term   
(2) derived from 'Jill Bolte Taylor' s concept where she explains why taking responsibility is imperative to self compassion especially after moments intensive trauma  
(3) Idea came after composing overheard synopsis centralizing around Great Gatsby inspired party prominently themed 'lost chances' - poignant stuff!   
(4) borrowed tip concerned with prospect of friendship’s continuance from admirable intellectual figure Brene Brown 
(5) It's said romance starts in the deep end but ends up becoming a paddle-pool pretty rapidly

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