Research shows that being friends first before dating is the most common way relationships begin.

Here’s what pros have to say about it.

And do you instead need to start looking through your current texts to find your soul mate?

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Well, nonot quite.

And to be sure, that applies to new friendships as well.

So it makes sense that the components of a friendship would apply to a long-lasting, happy romance.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

licensed marriage and family therapist

Understanding our partners as a human is an incredibly important part of any relationship, says Wright.

Whats ultimately important is that at the heart of any romantic relationships is a friendship.

I push back on this, she says.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

All of our relationships evolve over timewhether were naming them or not, Wright says.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.

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Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing