By Chelsea Tirrell, Columnist
They say you should marry your best friend, but that's a bit hazy. Should you marry the person who has become your best friend, or should you marry the person who has always been there as your best friend?
Of course, marriage probably isn't in the very near future for many of us. It's still important to consider the future before diving into a relationship with someone you'd previously acknowledged as "just a friend."
It takes time for someone to become your best friend. There are hundreds of conversations, arguments, and cycles of growth throughout. At the end of it all, you've learned enough about them and have been there for them enough that you know there's no denying that you'd do anything for them.
Most people are overjoyed at this revelation, but others are left confused – particularly because they've started to have romantic feelings for their best friend. It seems like uncharted territory, but if the feelings are mutual, I say go for it.
It's true that starting a relationship could end up hurting your friendship in the end. If one of you makes a mistake, you will live with the consequences eternally because you'll be losing a best friend. On the other hand, if both of you behave, things could end cleanly. Neither of you will want to move forward without the other, making the break-up a little more tolerable.
Things could also turn awkward. If neither of you are sure how to make the transition from friends to more, tensions rise and uncertainty looms. That's where the fact that they're your best friend helps. You're comfortable enough with them that you can talk to them about what's on your mind openly.
You are also able to skip the, "What's your favorite color/hometown?" conversation and general small talk on the first official date. The conversation can head straight to deeper material that ultimately will reveal more about their character.
Talking about your day is also an option; they already know the people and day-to-day-activities in your life, making it an easy topic to discuss.
Think about one of your best friends now – one that you don't picture yourself dating. They know you inside and out and you couldn't be happier spending time with them. If you happened to date this type of person, there shouldn't be a problem.
The one you love should be your whole world and often, our best friends are. You can't help who you want to be involved with.
However, should that person be someone you previously shared a casual relationship with, it can work. And remember, fear and contemplation should never dictate our emotions.