How to Avoid Falling in Love With a Friend

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Step 1

Talk to your friend. Open communication is the best way to start. Tell your friend that it is important that the two of you don't get feelings for one another, because you want the friendship to last.
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Step 2

Agree that you will not become romantically involved with each other and/or fall for each other. It is best when both friends agree not to get involved. Otherwise, one friend may start liking the other romantically, not knowing that the other friend is not okay with these type of feelings developing.
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Step 3

Set parameters with the friendship. Agree what can and can't be expected of the other person. You might want to come to an understanding that the friendship will be limited to hanging out at open mic nights and jamming, or playing chess. You won't spend every evening together, for example. Setting parameters can help you from getting together all the time, which makes it easier for feelings to develop.
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Step 4

Set boundaries. Don't sit too close to each other when you go to the movies. Don't allow the friend to sleep over. Don't hold hands, even if it's just for fun.
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Step 5

Do not become intimate. If you do, you're just asking for trouble. The easiest way for some people to get feelings for someone is with intimacy (sex). This is a line you should never cross, even if you think you can both handle it.
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Step 6

Don't kiss. You may think that as long as you don't become intimate and have actual sex that you can avoid developing feelings for someone and falling in love with your friend. However, even a passionate kiss can trigger those feelings that you are trying to avoid.
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Step 7

If you do start to have feelings for your friend, take a few steps back. Put some distance in the relationship. Sometimes then you will be able to get the feelings to dissipate. If not, you may have to talk to your friend and figure out what to do. It might be that a blunt blow of reality from the friend reminding you that you are only friends and it will be no more can bring you back from Cloud 9.