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10 Ways to Move Out of the Friend Zone and Into A Relationship

10 Ways to Move Out of the Friend Zone and


When it comes to relationships, there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the “friend zone.” When you long to be a lover, being trapped in this minimal position can cause you a significant internal struggle. Some people are afraid to move forward, while others battle conflicting emotions for months or years of their life.

It’s humiliating to be only thought of as “just a friend” when you desire so much more. Many times, people are afraid to take the next step because they’re worried they will lose a good friend, embarrass themselves by admitting their feelings, or are worried that it won’t work out. It’s complicated to make the shift from friend to lover, but you must follow your heart.

You can live in silent torment if you’re pining away after someone who is a close friend, and you want more. The long nights of hopelessly wanting and waiting for more seems unbearable. If you’re going to put your feelings on the line and still maintain a sense of dignity, then here are some ways to move beyond the “just friends” state.

10 Ways to Make it Out of the Friend Zone

1. Assess the Risk

There are significant risks to jumping out of the friend zone and into a relationship. What would happen if it doesn’t work out? Once you’ve crossed that line, it isn’t easy to go back to just friends. Can you handle the possibilities of them out of your life?

Make a pro and con list of how to handle the situation. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Have there been any behaviors or indications from him or her that they want more? Think carefully before you make your next move.

2. Develop a Game Plan

Once you’re ready to get out of the friend zone, it’s time to formulate a plan. Do you want a romantic dinner by candlelight to tell them how you feel, or do you want to take them to a park surrounded by nature? It’s essential that you set the stage for the big announcement.

Make a straightforward plan of what you will say, where it will be, and how it will occur. Maybe you could take them to your favorite coffee shop to talk over a cup of Joe.

3. Find the Right Time

Timing is everything in life. You don’t want to ask for a person to leap out of the friend zone the week of finals. If their mind is already overwhelmed by everything going on, then you may not get a receptive response.

Additionally, they may not feel that they’re in a place to develop romantic attachments with so much other stuff going on. It’s best to find the right moment. Then again, there may never be a perfect time, and you shouldn’t prolong the conversation as it only extends your torment.

 

4. Empower Yourself with Confidence

Whether you’re a man or woman doesn’t matter, it’s challenging to speak up when your dignity is on the line. You must use courage over your fear to tell the other person how you feel. If you don’t take the chance to speak up about your feelings, you may lose them to someone more open and honest.

You need to muster up all the internal strength you can find to tell this person the truth. Remember, you have nothing to lose by being honest, and you might gain everything. It’s always better to be upfront and truthful than to sit by and remain quiet and frustrated.

5. Don’t Go Straight to Sexual Places

If you’ve never had a talk with your friend about being more than just buddies, you shouldn’t go right to sex talk. Sure, they’re smoking hot and sexy, and you dream about making love to them, but if you come out of the gate with this statement, you may scare them away.

It would be best if you told them why you feel so strongly about them. List their qualities that you find attractive such as their eyes or hair. Also, you should bring out things about them that you appreciate beyond physical beauty.

If you want to give your conversation power and merit, then you need to speak your heart. There will be plenty of time for romance later. Right now, you need to get down to business with a serious conversation about your future.

6. Have a Conversation Face-to-Face

There are some conversations that you don’t have by text or by email, and flipping from a friend to a lover is one of them. It’s easy to send a text and wait anxiously for them to answer, but it’s best to look them eye-to-eye and tell them how you feel.

The direct contact and body language let them know that you are serious about them. The other party needs to see how much this means to you. They need to hear the conviction in your voice and see the warmth in your eyes.

It’s easier to say “no” when you’re sending a text, but it’s more challenging to deny true feelings in a person to person setting.

7. Don’t Beg

You want to keep your dignity intact in case this conversation doesn’t go the way you want. Try to come up with a statement that is a few sentences at most. You want to get to the point and stop chattering.

Don’t beg or plead or make bargains for someone to want you as more than friends. Either there’s more there, or there isn’t. You need to state your peace and then give him or her time to say how they feel. Always speak directly to them and be confident. Don’t hesitate or stutter over your words.

8. Be Honest with Yourself

Regardless of how things went down, you need to be honest with yourself. If they didn’t give you the answer you want, don’t hold on thinking they will change their mind. You are only wasting precious time that you could spend with someone else.

If they admitted that they have feelings for you and want to move out of the friend zone, you need to be honest enough to realize this changes everything. Once you cross from friends to lovers, there’s no going back to the way things were.

9. Make Them Miss You

If you didn’t get the answer you want, or they need time to think about things, then you need to give them some space. One of the best tricks in the book is to make them miss you so that they can see how much they genuinely care about you.

Being in the friend zone for an extended period can mess with your mind. While men and women can certainly be friends, there’s always that inner drive that makes one or both want more at some point and time. If they’re unsure how they feel about moving on from the friend zone, spending some time apart may be just what they need to sort out their feelings.

10. Admit Defeat and Move On, If Necessary

You don’t want to hang around any longer than you need too. If you’ve put your feelings on the table, then things will never go back to the way they used to be. If they don’t want any romantic attachments with you, then cut your losses.

There are very few times in these instances where you can salvage the friendship as most of the time. People will go their separate ways. When one wants to be romantically involved, and the other wants to be just friends, it doesn’t work. Admit the relationship was never meant to be, and simply move on.

Here are the signs that reveal your guy friend is interested in romance.

Final Thoughts on Admitting Defeat if You Do Not Break out of the Friend Zone

The old saying states that it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have experienced love at all. Perhaps, Alfred Lord Tennyson was never stuck in the friend zone when he made such a statement. Still, with each time you give a piece of your heart away, it’s one part of it that you can’t get back.

There is no better feeling than love. It can get you through the darkest nights and give you a reason to get up in the morning. Sadly, there is also no more considerable pain than that of lost or unrequited love.

Think long and hard before you attempt to make the jump from friends to lovers. There is much at stake, and this move will change everything. Try some friendly flirting first and see how and if they respond to your subtle advances.

It’s always best to have some assurance before you take the plunge, but sometimes you must close your eyes and jump!

Lifestyle

21 Subtle Ways Women Make The First Move

21 Subtle Ways Women Make The First Move


Traditionally, men have always made the first move. They approach women, plan and pay for dates, and do a lot of the heavy lifting in the early stages of a budding relationship. It can be stressful, mentally taxing, and financially difficult for them, especially in this decade!

It’s not really fair to expect men always to make the first move. Shouldn’t women show their attraction, too? If there’s someone you like, you can take the first steps to make them a part of your life, no matter what your gender is!

Here are 21 subtle ways women make the first move.

1.    Standing Close

A woman may make the first move by entering someone’s bubble. This proximity is a good indicator of a woman’s interest, as they will intentionally move or stand unusually tightly next to a person they are interested in.

Some women have, unfortunately, been taught to move backward and away from people they’re interested in, to entice a sort of “chase.” This tactic doesn’t work, and women actively trying to make the first move won’t (and shouldn’t!) consider that a good option.

first move 2.    Common Nonverbal Cues

Some women make the first move by prompting men to take the first physical steps. What does this mean? Essentially, they perform common nonverbal cues that are signs of openness that say “Approach me!”.

Men typically have a positive reaction to these cues, as they are long-understood signals of interest. For example:

  • Prolonged eye contact, where a woman meets a man’s eye and holds his gaze
  • Eyebrow flashes, where the eyebrows are quickly raised and lowered upon eye contact
  • Smiles, showing an openness to being approached

3.    Striking Up A Relaxed Conversation

A simple, no-pressure conversation is a common way women make the first move. As a small talk type of exchange, there’s no tension, and either party can leave if desired. They may talk about:

  • The weather
  • What someone is doing somewhere
  • A few details about each other
  • Shared interests or connections

4.    Using A Simple, Warm Greeting

Sometimes, a woman’s chosen method for making the first move is to provide a warm greeting, a subtle signal to their person of interest to start the real conversation. They may say hello or use any other greeting, taking care to use a welcoming tone that indicates they are open to the company.

5.    Buying Drinks

A woman may buy drinks for someone at the bar that they’re interested in. This usually prompts the object of their interest to at least thank them, which opens the door for more conversation.

Besides, buying drinks for someone is one of the oldest ways to make the first move in the book! As such, though it’s relatively subtle, it’s difficult for anyone to misinterpret, which is a positive bonus.

6.    Group Date Invites

Inviting someone to hang out in a bigger group is a subtle manner of making the first move, as it doesn’t force a romantic connotation over the event. If the group date goes well, it serves as a jumping-off point for a follow-up, one-on-one date.

In general, date invites can also be a woman’s way of making an obvious first move in a safe way, especially if they don’t know the other person yet. They’ll be in the company of others, and it’s a great way to gauge compatibility.

7.    Wearing Red

Red is an inflammatory color of sorts. It presents an automatic appearance of femininity and attractiveness that easily hooks a lot of guys, putting them in a state of positive thinking for the approach. This red doesn’t have to be a dressed-from-head-to-toe color. It can be used in many, many ways, such as:

  • As lipstick
  • In accessories
  • In shoes
  • Little pops of color

Of course, do note that color is not consent, and women wear red for preference reasons – but combining red with cues of interest is definitely a way of making the first move!

pop meme

8.    Dropping Hints

A woman may drop hints if they’re interested in someone. The more obvious the hint, the more likely it is that they’re seriously trying to make the first move without losing subtlety. They might talk a lot about wanting to see a movie or go to an event, hoping to be asked out. The problem, of course, is that not everyone notices those hints!

9.    Messaging First

A woman who reached out to someone they’re interested in first is making the first move, in a way. They’re taking the first steps to form a longer connection, in a way that makes them very easy to reach. They might go directly for flirtation, crack a few jokes, or just make small talk as they build up momentum.

10. Getting Spare Tickets

A woman who knows what the person they’re interested in likes may attempt to score bonus tickets to something that person would definitely want to take part in. Then, when the opportunity arises, they’d offer the spare ticket – and it becomes a date! Sneaky!

11. Asking Questions

When someone asks another person questions, it’s because they’re trying to get to know them. As such, a woman may subtly make the first move by asking someone questions about themselves. These can involve:

  • Personal questions
  • Questions about interests and hobbies
  • Questions about opinions on current events
  • Silly, fun questions, like “would you rather”s or icebreaker-type questions
  • Risque, flirtatious questions
  • Any open-ended questions that leave room for further discussion

These questions usually become progressively more personal as the asker sees how far they can get, as this is usually a good indicator of the other party’s interest.

12. Teasing

A lot of women like to engage in banter with the people they are attracted to. It’s a good test of whether the other person’s wit matches theirs if the senses of humor are compatible, and if there’s interest in general.

Playful, flirtatious teasing rarely goes overboard into hurtful insult territory, so it’s not difficult for most people on the receiving end to notice it as the first move of sorts!

13. Showing More Skin

Putting skin on display tends to catch the eye, and it certainly works to make others approach you! Research has even found a jumping-off point that indicates women who are undergoing ovulation tend to naturally decide to dress less conservatively, without even thinking about it.

Do note – importantly! – that revealing clothing is not consent, and plenty of women dress like this out of preference. However, a combination of certain kinds of clothing and signals of interest is a reason to believe a woman may be making the first move.

14. Gentle Touches

Gentle, soft touches of a seemingly innocent kind are another way that women make the first move, especially with men. This is because they know that men are often more physical in their preferences and responses, and may have a more positive response to touch. These touches may include:

  • Patting a shoulder
  • Lightly touching a forearm or knee
  • Brushing something off their clothes, hair, or face
  • “Accidentally” bumping into them
  • Standing close enough to be lightly touching sometimes

15. Expressing Desire To Keep In Touch

After a first meeting, a woman may make the first move by saying they want to keep in touch. They may use phrases like:

  • I’d love to hear more about this!
  • It’d be a pity if we couldn’t talk some more.
  • Hey, what’s your (social media)?
  • I can text you the details about (the topic of discussion) if you like.
  • Will you be at (event)?

These methods are very subtle, but they’re how a woman gets or gives contact information that will lead to something more. Sometimes, it’s platonic – but a lot of the time, there’s room to explore a deeper relationship!

16. Compliments

Few people will respond negatively to a well-placed compliment. A woman will find something to compliment in the person they’re interested in, ranging from appearance-based to deeper in meaning, depending on how much they already know the person they’re attracted to. They may compliment:

  • Clothing
  • Natural appearance features
  • Personality traits
  • Strength
  • Job-status

pop meme

17. Asking Relationship Status

Generally, there’s no reason for anyone to ask about someone’s relationship status unless you’re at least someone interested – but it’s subtle because it doesn’t spell out a woman’s intentions. When she asks this question, the person who has caught her interest is likely to know quickly why she’s asking, even if she’s not crystal clear about it.

18. Pulling Onto The Dancefloor

The jury’s out on whether this can be considered “subtle,” but a woman may pull someone they like out to the dance floor to have a good time together.

It makes the first move in a non-committal way, as dancing together doesn’t mean you’re definitely going to date, but it also tests compatibility and potential intimacy in a slightly non-platonic way!

19. Spending More Time

For women who often come into contact with someone they like, they may go out of their way to spend more time with them. For example, they might:

  • Join them for meals
  • Just hang out with them
  • Walk or travel to common destinations with them
  • Join gatherings or events where they’ll be
  • Prolong conversations

20. Getting Friends To Help

A woman’s friends are her closest confidants. They may all work together to nudge someone’s interest in the woman in question. When a whole group of friends is trying to set two people up, it makes the first move in a subtle and roundabout – but definitely effective – way.

21. Just Asking Someone Out

Not everyone is good at picking up subtlety, and if you really like someone, sometimes the only way to make the first move is to be very clear and honest about it.

If you’re feeling confident enough for it, this is the one guaranteed way to get your message across with open and positive communication. It’s the 21st century – there’s no reason a woman can’t be direct about their desires, and plenty of women today make the first move boldly! So take a deep breath, get your positive thinking going, and ask someone out!

first move

Final Thoughts On Some Subtle Ways Women Make The First Move

In this day and age, women are making the first move all the time, and there’s no reason you can’t do the same. If you don’t want to come on too strong, using these subtle ways to take that step can be a big help – but ultimately, don’t shy away from being direct and honest about your intentions!

 

Entertainment

How to Move Across the Country Without Breaking the Bank

How to Move Across the Country Without Breaking the Bank


How to Move Across the Country Without Breaking the Bank

Moving to a new place with new things to do and new possibilities is exciting! But if that new place is across the country, the process can be expensive – as in thousands of dollars.

Don’t let the cost of a cross country move put a damper on your spirits. With a few tips and tricks up your sleeves, it’s possible to make that move while staying within a tight budget.

Let’s look at how to move across the country without breaking the bank.

Downsize Your Stuff

Chances are, you don’t need to take everything with you. The more stuff you take, the more money it’s going to cost you. So when trying to save in moving costs, it’s time to downsize.

As difficult as it may be to part with your stuff, you need to be pretty ruthless to make it effective. Get rid of items you don’t use 80-100% of the time. Think about quality, not quantity.

Selling your things will add more money to your moving budget. Or simply donate the rest to those who need it more than you do.

Do Your Homework

Treat moving on a budget as you would trying to find the best deal on a new computer or kitchen appliance. You have to shop around to get the best price.

List out all your options. Research how much each will cost. Then choose the one that fits into your budget.

If you’re hiring help, don’t forget to look at reviews! You want to put your belongings in the hands of someone who has a proven track record of superior service. And remember, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Move During Off-Season

Summer is the most expensive time of year to move across the country. It’s when most people move to settle before school starts, which tends to hike up the prices. Moving during the school year will help you save.

Most people also move either at the end or first of the month. Weekends are the most popular time of the week. If you can move during the week in the middle of the month, you’re likely to snag cheaper pricing.

Look for Discounts

Are you a member of AAA or another similar organization? You could already have access to moving discounts that will make figuring out how to move across the country so much easier.

AAA offers discounts on moving services to its members. Moving companies also give special rates to AAA members, especially in the moving off-season.

If you have a veteran or active military member in your immediate family, look into special moving discounts offered to the military. Many moving companies will help military members and their families with shipping, storage, and moving discounts.

Ask About Relocation Reimbursement

If you’re moving across the country for a job, your new employer may pick up all or part of the moving bill. Many times employers offer this as a perk when recruiting candidates from out of state.

Talk to the HR department to see what their policy on relocation help is. It never hurts to ask if you’re eligible. They may even set up the arrangements for you.

If they give you the green light, make sure to save all your receipts. You’ll need proper documentation to receive your reimbursements.

Don’t Forget Costs Along the Way

When figuring out your moving budget, don’t forget to factor in all those little expenses you’ll pick up between Point A and Point B. Things such as eating out fuel, and hotels will add up fast, threatening to blow your budget wide open.

To help you save money, bring your own food instead of eating out. Look into whether hotels, AirBnB’s, or camping will cost less. And take measures to make your car more fuel-efficient.

If you have available points on a travel credit card, you could also cash those in for free nights in a hotel or for help covering the cost of fuel.

Do the Move Yourself

Moving yourself across the country is the cheapest way to go. Renting a truck, piling everything inside it or your car saves from having to hire people to do it for you.

Of course, moving yourself is more labor-intensive on you, but the trade-off is it won’t break the bank. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask friends or family to help pack and load the truck.

One of them may even be willing to road trip it to your new place with you and help with the unpacking. It would still be cheaper to buy a one-way airline or train ticket home than it would to pay people to move for you.

Ship Your Things

If driving a moving truck across the country isn’t your thing, consider having your stuff shipped. As long as you don’t have a lot of things to move, it’s a cost-effective option.

Freight shipping companies help you find the best rate with reliable carriers. They offer different delivery options to meet your needs and even have available insurance to cover the cost of your belongings if something should happen.

If you’re flying to your new destination, ship your belongings as extra baggage. Of course, you’ll have extra baggage and weight fees, but it’s still cheaper than the cost of having someone move it for you.

Use a Portable Moving Container

Portable moving containers are increasingly popular. Not only do they simplify the moving process, but they also help you save money in more ways than one.

Portable containers are much cheaper than hiring a moving company. You simply load the container yourself then have it moved and dropped off at your new place.

Plus, it gives you a place to store your belongings until you’re able to unpack. So instead of moving your things to a storage unit, unload it all, then load it back when you need it, it stays all in one place. Saving you both time and money.

Save Money and Headaches by Knowing How to Move Across the Country

Your move feels like a fresh start, but you don’t have to let it drain your bank account. By knowing how to move across the country on a budget, you can leave the stress behind and keep your savings intact.

Want to know how to fix up your place once you’re all moved in? Check out the articles on our Home Improvement blog!

Entertainment

Moving Cross Country: The Top Tips You Need to Know for a Smooth Move

Moving Cross Country: The Top Tips You Need to Know


Moving Cross Country: The Top Tips You Need to Know for a Smooth Move

Over 40 million Americans move annually. While the reason for these moves is different, the amount of work and stress involved in this process is universal. If you are considering moving across the country, there are a few things you need to do to make this process easier and more manageable.

Trying to move cross country on a whim can create a lot of problems and undue stress. The key to successfully moving cross country is getting an early start on planning and packing.

The following are some of the things you should consider when trying to make a long distance move the right way.

Create a Plan and Stick to It

The first thing that needs to happen when figuring out a move is imminent is the creation of a plan. This plan needs to include everything from what needs to be packed to important dates surrounding the move.

Having a plan of attack will keep you on track and can help you avoid making mistakes. Instead of creating a plan and ignoring it, you need to follow it to the letter. Without structure, a long distance move will become one huge headache.

Writing down what needs to be done during the move and when you need to be out of your existing residence is crucial. Looking at this plan on a daily basis can help you figure out how much progress is being made towards your in goal.

Moving Cross Country Is Easier with the Help of Professionals

Most people lead very busy lives. Working a job and raising a family can take up a lot of your time, which is why trying to fit a move into your schedule can be difficult. Trying to take on the work involved in a long distance move alone is a bad idea.

Hiring seasoned professionals, like the ones at Ft Dearborn Relocation Movers is crucial. With this professional help, you can get your stuff packed and transported in a hurry.

A professional moving company will have the manpower and the equipment needed to get this job done. The money paid to a moving company will be worth it considering the results they can provide.

Detailed Box Labeling Is a Must

If you decide to handle the packing process on your own, then be careful about what is put into each of these boxes. Ideally, you want to pack one room at a time. By doing this, you can keep the packing process organized.

As you pack items, be sure to label the boxes in detail. Doing this will help you figure out where the boxes need to go once they arrive at the new house.

Take Time to Enjoy the Move

Some people get so wrapped up in the stress that comes with moving cross country that they forget to enjoy this experience. This is why you need to stop and smell the roses during this process.

Are you looking for more engaging and informative content? If so, be sure to check out the other blogs on our website.