Friend or Boyfriend? Moving Past the In-Between

You know that guy, the one who’s not really your boyfriend, but isn’t just a friend either? The one you hope will turn into something eventually, but who’s dragging his feet when it comes to making a move?

If the answer is yes, you’re stuck in a fromance, and it’s time to get out and move on.

Fromance. Webster’s dictionary does not define it at all—and neither can you, probably—but if it did, the definition would read: a friendship/romance with a member of the opposite sex, characterized by comfort, consistency, and plenty of sexual tension that offers no hope of resolution.

Fromances aren’t necessarily bad. Your fromance is your go-to guy or girl for office Christmas parties, friend’s weddings, family gatherings, and just any old Saturday night on the couch. You guys have a great time together—that’s why you’re together all the time. But that also means you’re with him all the time, and not with all the other millions of eligible bachelors with whom you could be pursuing an actual relationship. (Okay, maybe not millions, but how will you know if you’re with Joe Way-Too-Slow every weekend?)

It’s not all your fault—or all his, either. There are many roads to fromance. He could be a great guy who’s perfect for you in every way, except that he doesn’t quite set your knickers afire. Maybe you started dating and the flame eased into more of a soft glow, comforting and lovely, but not what you were looking for. Or maybe he’s an old friend who has always been on your to-do list, but whom you’ve never quite made the move on.

Whatever the case, I’m afraid it’s got to end. That is, it’s got to end if you’re going to begin the rest of your life and actually find the guy who will give you all those things you want from a relationship. So here’s the plan.

Step One: Call him back later, and I mean later.
You’ve gotten into the habit of making yourself available to this guy whenever and wherever he wants you. He doesn’t have to worry about losing you, so why should he put himself out on a limb to move the relationship along? Knock him out of his comfort zone by reminding him that you are fully capable of having a life without him. I’m not saying avoid him (that’s so junior high), just choose this time to catch up with all your other friends, assuming you haven’t completely ditched them all for the beau-that-never-was. Start getting busy with them and maybe he’ll decide to start getting busy with you … see? And if he doesn’t, you’ll have reminded yourself that he’s not your whole world.

16 readers liked this story.
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05.12.2010
Nursejules007
Great Eye-opener for me for sure. I have been with the same man for over four years and at his whim we are either in a relationship or not. And get this-we live together. Even when we were considered to be in a relationship (by him) of course he only wanted to have sex once a month or less.He is addicted to porn pretty bad and doesn't want to share his addiction with anyone else and i am considered very attractive -its not like the skanky porn stars blow me away-anyway I finally started dating someone else because he said it was none of his business, etc. Well than guess what-he breaks down after i go on a few dates, cries and says I am a cheater, a whore and that of course we are in a relationship. He offers exotic trips, counseling, wants to make love to me, starts doing things for me, quits going out and stays home. So of course I slowly but stupidly gave him another chance but guess what? According to him we are not in a relationship. Thanks! I'm gonna say-F___ this romance.
12.28.2009
skitskat
thank you thank you thank you for writing this article! i spent a year of my life developing a really close, comfortable and overly-dependent relationship with a coworker, all the while liking him more and more. then i come to find out he's dating other girls and not telling me, but still coming to me to spend time with on weekends and go to dinner and drinks with. after a year of being led on and manipulated, i'm finally seeing how toxic he is for me and taking him out of my life. this article is right on. thanks for showing me i'm not alone in dealing with fromances!
05.29.2009
Kayla
This is like a book definition of one of my guy friends. Like seriously but I finally just said enough is enough. He frustrates the hell out of me most of the time and I can't spend my life waiting for him to do something. I seriously think that he thinks I'll be here whenever he's done 'shopping around' *rolls eyes*
05.29.2009
Caligirl
I love this story. Fromance is perfectly define. I have had several of these without the long phone calls or attending events. I spend time with girls all the time I know that those are key relationships in my life where I find trust and loytalty and I never abandon them. Its losing the guy completely I have come close and know its not benefinal just comfortable. Thanks for sharing you put it together wonderfully.
It feels good to write.

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