Arguably, men and women can’t be friends. Very often, though, we find ourselves in a confusing sitch. We’ll care about this guy so much, but things just aren’t moving forward. Honestly, you just want to know: am I in the friend zone? (Without asking)
He could be giving you mixed signals for various reasons. Whatever they may be, however, you could be skipping around in the friend zone without any knowledge. I’d say the signs we’ve listed below are fairly obvious, but when you’re lovestruck, the rose-colored specs can blind what’s really going on. Not trying to have a first class ticket to the No Relationship zone with your guy pal? Then take notes, Vixens. Find out if you’re chilling with “just a friend” or a potential partner.
1. He talks about the girls he likes with you.
This could very well be the number one indicator that you’re sitting in cell block FZ. There’s no way that a guy who likes you would even lightly touch on the subject of the women he’s courting. He may dish about a couple celebrity crushes, but no way is he full-on spilling deets about the girl he dated last week. Once the conversation takes that route, pack up your feelings and accept that friendship seat.
2. You guys go dutch on 90% of your dates.
I happen to run with male friends who don’t mind handling the bill. However, that’s an isolated situation. Usually, if a guy is paying most of the time, you two go together. But if your friend (who you obviously want more with) makes you pay your way every time, the weather calls for a rainy day during your lovestruck parade. He wants to make sure that the signals don’t get crossed. Got it?
3. Any flirting is shut down immediately and nicely.
You think it’s time to go in for the kill, so you do. Sadly, he immediately cools your jets and lets you know it’s not like that. Do you need another hint? The friend zone, it is, lady. Thank your lucky stars that he rejected you nicely; this, clearly, means that he really is your friend.
4. He lets you vent about the men in your life.
If he doesn’t respond with the “I don’t want to hear this” look, he’s just not that into you. (See #1) Any guy who really likes you would never stand for “other guy” chit-chat. Men just aren’t built to be anything less than territorial. Take this as a clear sign that maybe, just maybe, you should make one of those other guys the star player of your team.
5. He’s trying to hook you up with someone else.
This is pretty self explanatory and closely related to #4. If this man is going out of his way to set you up, he wants you off his hands. Maybe not as a friend, but as someone who’s way too into him romantically. It’s time to tuck your emotions away and cherish your compadre.