The Atlantic

The Case for Dating a Friend

The warmth and care of an existing friendship is a great foundation for a romantic relationship—even if it feels scary to take the leap.
Source: Julian Baumann / Connected Archives

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Online dating is the most common way for couples to meet these days, but sometimes it feels like it’s set up to disappoint you. You swipe right and don’t match. You start a chat and the conversation fizzles. You go on a date and there’s no spark. You meet someone you actually like and never hear from them again.

I have a suggestion: Try dating a friend instead.

That’s what I did—my partner and I were friends for nearly five years before we started dating—and I think we are onto something. Of course, a couple can be happy no matter how long they knew each other beforehand, and love at first sight is a

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