| There are lots of ways for guys to be friends with | | | | driven by caution more than anything, she decided |
| girls, but two of them are directly connected with | | | | that “friendship” is the best way to keep |
| serious relationships. When you first meet a girl who | | | | herself emotionally protected but also to keep you in |
| seems special, there’s no way you’re going | | | | her life. |
| to make an immediate leap into a fully-fledged | | | | You should be encouraged by the fact that she |
| relationship. You were strangers before you met. | | | | cares enough to want this because it could be the |
| Now you’re friends. What you hope is that you | | | | first sign that she might want more. You’re not |
| can go beyond that. It’s a very positive and | | | | out of the woods yet. It’s going to take her |
| welcome kind of friendship. | | | | some time to feel confident enough to give your |
| But the other kind is very frustrating indeed. | | | | relationship another go. In the mean time you’ll |
| It’s the kind that hits you in the face when | | | | have to carry on putting up with the frustration of |
| you’re trying to rebuild a damaged relationship | | | | making moves towards her, which you think |
| only to hear those words, “I just want to be | | | | she’s inviting, only to be rebuffed. What you |
| friends”. It’s like a physical blow and it | | | | need to do is take the time to remind her what she |
| leaves all your hopes crushed and broken. | | | | saw in you; the qualities that make her want you in |
| So why is she doing this? And what can you do | | | | her life. But take it slow and gentle – she |
| about it? | | | | won’t want to feel as if you’re manipulating |
| Well, her reasons are probably simpler than you | | | | her. But take heart from the fact that she |
| imagine. Your relationship somehow hit the rocks | | | | doesn’t want to let you go – it’s gives |
| and she feels hurt by that. She still has feelings for | | | | you a real way back. |
| you but she doesn’t want to be hurt again. So, | | | | |