So the girl you like is dating the douchebag from down the hall? Cool story, bro, but have you met Megan? You know, the girl who has been by your side through thick and thin as you dated every girl in sight? Yeah her, the girl you friend-zoned.

Everyone has been friend-zoned at least once in his or her life. It’s natural and more common than people would like to admit. The truth is there are simply people out there we would just rather have as friends and not as romantic partners. Yes, sometimes that makes us feel less than appreciated when we are the ones who have wandered into the vast territory of just friends. It is a twisted mix of misery and gladness.

Why have you been friend-zoned? It could be that you’ve never had the balls to buck up and ask them out. “It’s not that simple!” cried the masses. Then the questions start flooding the logical area of the thought process. What if they reject me? Could I deal with the awkwardness that I know will come after? What if he/she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore? Well, honey, if he or she is not willing to be your friend after you had the courage to ask them out, then they weren’t worth the effort to begin with. True friends will understand and still want to be around you. Or, if it all works out against the odds, congrats! You now have a date this Friday.

Asked them out, but still friend-zoned? Perhaps they are just not that into you. Yes, it can be as simple as a movie title. Do not take them not being attracted to you as a personal insult. Everyone is uniquely beautiful. Some will appreciate a one of a kind person, and others will not. Think of it this way, if everyone was attracted to everyone, marriage would be rather pointless.

While you may not see it now, being just a friend can be a blessing in disguise. Some of the best friendships are spawns of the dreaded friend-zone. I think the friend-zone has developed a bad reputation. Is it really so bad to be friends first? Some of the longest lasting relationships start out as friends. It gives people time to really get to know a person before they decided whether or not a relationship would be good or not.

Remember, if it’s meant to be, then it will happen. If not, then it’s time to move on, with your friend supporting you every step of the way.