I gained a new and different understanding of what the friendzone entails once I rejected romantic or sexual advances. Turns out it isn’t only men that get upset and hurt by the rejection of retaining a friendship over romance. Last essay I reflected on the friendships I fizzled out by trying to change the nature of the relationship. I find myself now returning to the same idea inverted.

I’ve flip-flopped on this topic many times in my life, but a few years ago I decided on a mindset that has proven beneficial. I don’t believe in the friendzone. I don’t support the idea of being friendzoned as a concept. People are either friends and lovers, or they’re not. I hate the idea that friendship is somehow degrading and below any romantics. How on Earth is developing lifelong friendships lower than a fleeing fickle flame?