I found my current boyfriend in being friends first. We have been friends for years (like 6 or so) prior to dating. I was not looking for a boyfriend when I met him. We were best friends for years…I dated someone else at the time and he had a girlfriend of 2 years as well. It wasn’t until years after those relationships ended (for unrelated reasons) that we actually developed feelings and decided to date. And guess what? It’s the best and happiest relationship I’ve ever been in, same for him.
I think being friends first is the BEST. You know each other on a deeper level and can truly enjoy each others’ company and just have fun.
I have had other LTRs which began only with romance because we were both looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend. What a mistake. Do not do that. It’s best to have a strong foundation of respect and friendship and common interests/beliefs, and THEN have a relationship. I think many people make this mistake, and I know I have myself. If you look, then you risk not having that strong friendship foundation (because you go right into a relationship) and you may be settling for someone who isn’t right for you.
Please learn from my mistake and don’t make the same one that I did, lol.