There’s often a blurred boundary between romantic love and deep friendship.

Sometimes, the emotions run so strong that you’re convinced it’s something more.

But deep down, you might sense it’s more about camaraderie than romantic passion.

This doesn’t mean there’s no love between you.

On the contrary, you both care deeply, just maybe not in that “till death do us part” way.

It’s a tough realization to accept, but sometimes, it’s for the best.

In this article, I’ll guide you through 7 clear signs that your relationship might thrive better in the friend-zone. 

1) Better as a team than a couple

One big sign that you might be better off as friends is when you find that you function better as a team than a romantic couple.

When you’re in love, it’s not just about being great partners in crime.

There’s also an undeniable spark, a sizzle of chemistry that makes your relationship more than just a camaraderie.

But if you feel like your best moments are when you’re working together on practical things – say planning a party or solving a puzzle – but the romantic moments feel forced or awkward, it might be time to reassess.

2) You’re not jealous

This might sound contradictory at first. Isn’t jealousy a sign of deep love and passion? Well, not necessarily.

In fact, if you don’t feel even a hint of jealousy when your partner attracts attention from others, it could suggest that your connection is more about friendship than romance.

In romantic relationships, it’s natural to feel a bit possessive or protective of your partner.

But if you’re entirely unperturbed when they flirt with others, it might indicate that you see them more as a companion than a romantic partner.

3) You’re overly dependent on each other

Now, here’s something I’ve observed in my years of studying relationships.

Sometimes, when you share a deep bond with someone, it can be easy to mistake codependency for love.

Being there for each other is a beautiful part of any relationship, but when it crosses into being unable to make decisions without each other or feeling anxious when the other person isn’t around, it’s worth stepping back and reconsidering.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve into this in more detail.

But basically, if you find that your sense of self-worth and happiness hinges entirely on your partner, it can be more of a sign of codependency than love.

It’s important to maintain individuality in a relationship.

If you find that challenging in your current situation, it might be an indication that you’re better suited as friends.

4) You rarely argue

Surprising as it may sound, arguing is a vital aspect of any healthy relationship. 

With each person being unique, clashes are inevitable.

It’s through these disagreements that we assert our individuality and advocate for what matters to us.

Yet, if you discover that you and your partner hardly ever disagree, it could signify a gap in your relationship.

It might suggest a lack of emotional investment, where you don’t feel compelled to defend your beliefs or express your feelings.

5) You talk about other crushes freely

In romantic relationships, conversations about crushes or attractions can be delicate territory.

However, if you and your partner effortlessly broach these topics without discomfort, it suggests your relationship leans towards friendship rather than romance.

I’ve noticed that friends tend to discuss such matters more freely, devoid of any threat to the relationship.

Conversely, in romantic bonds, these discussions may trigger feelings of insecurity or jealousy.

6) The future feels uncertain

We all have dreams and plans for the future.

In a romantic relationship, those dreams often include the other person.

But if you’re finding it hard to imagine a future together, or if your plans for the future don’t seem to align, it could be a sign that you’re better suited as friends.

In my years of experience, I’ve found that when people are in love, they naturally weave their partner into their future plans.

But if you find yourself hesitating to do this or if your partner doesn’t feature prominently in your long-term plans, it’s worth considering what that means.

Before we jump into the final sign, I’d like to invite you to join me on my journey.

You can follow me on Facebook for regular updates and to catch my latest articles right in your feed. Now, let’s move on to the last sign.

7) There’s no ‘spark’

The absence of a certain ‘spark’ is a raw and honest sign in a relationship.

It’s challenging to define, but in romantic relationships, there’s an undeniable chemistry that surpasses mere friendship.

Enjoying each other’s company, sharing laughter and deep conversations, and feeling affectionate are all essential.

However, being ‘in love’ entails something more profound.

The spark encompasses emotional intimacy, a connection that resonates deep within your souls.

It’s a magnetic pull, a longing to be together that transcends physical attraction.

Embracing friendship: The core of lasting relationships

Love is multifaceted, extending beyond traditional romantic notions.

It embodies care, respect, and empathy, often transcending typical relationship boundaries.

The essence is that love manifests diversely.

Sometimes, profound connections are better suited to friendship rather than romance.

This doesn’t devalue the affection; it simply reshapes its expression.

For more insights into this complex landscape of relationships, I highly recommend watching this deeply insightful video by Justin Brown.

He dives into the heart of what it means to commit to being single not as a permanent state, but as a meaningful phase of growth, self-discovery, and personal commitment.

Remember, every relationship is unique and beautiful in its own way.

Whether you’re better off as friends or as partners, what matters is the respect and care you have for each other.

In the end, it’s not about labels but about the genuine connection you share.