Some people stay in the friends zone it never moved to a romantic relationship.

I have a friend who wants to date, however, he's in just the friends zone now.

We've been out several times BEFORE the Pandemic.

I'm still looking.

Hey will u be my gf

I agree with friends first. That is what I always say, now anyway. I have been hurt in the last by not getting to know a person first. It is difficult for me because I have baggage and lots of it but also because I physically cannot have romantic love for someone. I am demi sexual so dating is hard for me as it is friendship first not to mention my baggage. Oh well. I am in it for the long haul, not looking for a tempapory fling and I am willing to try to get to know people. Yes I am high maintanace but I have my reasons. If you cannot deal with me as friend, then most certainly not as anything more.

I want be friend with other countries people.
Do you like this friendship or relationship?

Great

for me, i would never have an intimate relationship with a friend. it'll just ruin your friendship if things won't work out fine.

In my life, every person with whom I've had a meaningful relationship has been my friend at the core. Every intimate relationship I have had in my life where that core friendship fails, ends the relationship.
I've had many relationships which ended but the friendship did not.

While I have never been with a prostitute, I have had meaningless sex but no intimate relationship or friendship ever developed.

IMO, friendship is vital to a meaningful loving relationship.
I married my best friend and she remained my best friend until she wasn't and the marriage ended.

For nearly two years now my best friend is my GF and its that friendship which makes our relationship worthy.

I think most people's intent when they say 'friendship first' is based on a similar idea.

Your idea is perfect, you either go directly into the relationship or nothing.

Most of my relationships start intimately then change to friendship or fade away.

How are you messed up? LOL I think those that don't believe in establishing a friendship first to build a strong foundation are misguided. Then again, it's all about personal choice. Those looking for casual hook-ups may or may not seek a connection, at least not a deep one. However, for a long-term/serious relationship, yes, you should also be friends.

Ever wonder why? you're doing it backwards. LOL

Maybe it depends on how deep you want the friendship to be before making up your mind about the person. Agree that friendship is needed but it can develop while in a relationship particularly when attraction came first. Just stay open and mature (which may be difficult) when things dont go the way you hoped.