Avoid the Friend Zone

13:17 07 January 2011

It's the phrase that haunts every man: I love you, like a friend. Automatically and as if by magic, you've moved from a possible relationship into the Friend Zone.

So how can we tell when we're heading towards the dreaded zone or, even worse, if we're already in there?

Check out our top tips on how to read the signs and you'll never have to hear those words again.

Learn to speak the language

If you she says any of the below sentences, you're in the Friend Zone and it's going to be almost impossible to get out of there:

• You're like a brother to me
• You're a really nice guy
• You're my best friend
• I don't want to jeopardise our friendship
• I like you too much to go out with you
• I don't want to risk losing what we have
• I feel too close to you to be in a relationship
• I love you...like a friend

Read the signs

If she does any of the following, again, you're just a friend in her eyes:

• Tells you about her problems with other men
• She asks you for advice on another man she's hoping to go out with
• She actually tells you, with a smile on her face, "I just met my perfect guy!"

How to avoid the Friend Zone

There are a few fool-proof ways top ensure you never slip into friend territory:

• Become unavailable. Are you at her beck and call and would do anything to be near her? Stop it! Wait a day or two to return a phone call and suddenly be 'busy' when she wants you to do something with her. She'll stop taking you for granted and realise that you actually have a life when you're not with her - even if you don't, she';ll think that!
• Start going out with other women. Jealousy is the key. Then you'll know if she has any feelings for you at all.
• Turn the tables. Ask her for advice on women you like