In dating-speak, there may not be a more dreaded word than the f-word – friendship. The term "friend zone" was coined more than 20 years ago on the show Friends, in relation to Ross and Rachel's budding relationship. Now the term refers to an "almost" couple – two people who had romantic potential, but one somehow relegated the other to friendship status, despite the other's lingering romantic feelings. The romantic feelings are almost always one-sided and not reciprocated. There are a few ways to land in the friend zone. Unlike a true friendship, there isn't a lot of give and take in the friend zone. Almost always, the unwilling friend bends over backward to give the other person what he or she wants, hoping to stay in his or her good graces. The "friendzoned" person tends to want to sustain the relationship at any cost and will tend to avoid any sort of conflict to do so. Unfortunately, the friend will repress his or her own needs, while unconsciously communicating that his or her feelings don't matter.
If you're constantly being friendzoned, take a look at the people who you're attracted to. Some people simply fall into relationships with toxic people – and that's not your fault. If the object of your desire seems to be attracted to people who treat him or her badly, then that may mean he or she has issues to work through. It's up to you whether you want to stick around for that process. If you're ready to get out of the friendzone, stop being that person who's always there, steadfast in your support. You already value the relationship more than the other person, so act less interested and be prepared to walk away if you don't get the type of relationship you want. Stop being the sole "giver" in the relationship. Ask your friend for help or support with aspects of your life, even if it's as simple as getting you a cup of coffee. Ensure that you're reciprocating but not overly so. It's about give and take, just like any relationship, romantic or just friends.