Danu Anthony Stinson, a psychology professor and co-author of a study on friendships leading to relationships, told The Guardian about some of the harmful dynamics that are at play when it comes to friend zoning. "You get people complaining about being 'friend-zoned' ... based on this idea that relationships between men and women are somehow, by default, sexual," she explained. "But when we actually ask people, they say they have friendships with people –- of all genders –- that they could potentially theoretically be attracted to one day."
Stinson's study found that 65% of the straight couples surveyed were friends before forming a romantic relationship while 85% of queer couples expressed the same. But whether the friend zone comes before a romantic connection, after a breakup, or is the status quo you'd like to maintain, friend zoning requires direct and honest communication to result in an actual friendship.
However, that's easier said than done. Dating expert and breakup coach Natalia Juarez told Elite Daily, "People are so afraid to hurt someone's feelings that they just won't say anything at all, and that is not the way to go.These conversations are just a part of dating! And it's OK!" Avoiding a conversation means that blurry lines may stay blurry, and the person in question may think you don't enjoy their company at all, resulting in potentially irreparable damage between you.
