A man in Singapore is suing a woman for $3m, claiming emotional distress and damages after she put him in the friend zone. He also claims that she ruined his reputation. K Kawshigan is suing her to cover a loss in earnings and investments. Court documents show the money is to cover rehab and therapy costs to overcome the trauma.
The lawsuit began preliminary hearings in mid-February. Kawshigan filed a similar case earlier, claiming his potential partner breached an agreement to take their relationship to the next level. The suit was dismissed as “manifestly groundless and without foundation.”
Apart from how outlandish it is to sue someone for not reciprocating feelings, some people believe that the friend zone is a myth. In contrast, others believe that some use it to lead people on. So, what exactly is the friend zone?
How does the friend zone work?
It is a situation where you find yourself in a friendship with unrequited feelings. This means wanting more than friendship with someone who only wants to be friends. When a romantic advance is rejected, and the pair remains in touch, the suitor is “put in” the friend zone.
Read Also: How To Handle Rejection
However, some argue that the friend zone is a myth because only you can put yourself there. Many may use it to bide their time and hope for a change in feelings. In some instances, the friend in love may weaponize generosity to try to change the other person’s mind. They can also use it to make the uninterested friend feel guilty.
Another definition of the friend zone is when two people with romantic potential meet. However, their timing never works, or one of them takes too long to ask the other out, and they end up in the friend zone. In pop culture, this first appeared on the popular sitcom Friends. Joey explains to Ross that when two people meet but the guy misses his window, he ends up in the friend zone. It means a romantic relationship isn’t possible anymore.
There is also the concept of friend-zoning. This often happens in a male-female friendship, and a woman who knows a man is interested in her and keeps him as a friend. Sometimes as romantic insurance if it doesn’t work out with someone she’s pursuing. Other times, it’s to have someone to take advantage of.
Read Also: How To Handle Heartbreak
How to avoid the friend zone
Mismatched feelings can be painful. A broken heart is a heavy thing to carry. However, you can avoid the pitfalls of the friend zone. This may be healthier for you in the long run because it’s unlikely that the friend you’re interested in will change their feelings for you. Watching them move on with their lives, date, and marry others may also be heartbreaking.
Make your intentions clear
When you meet someone you’re romantically interested in, ask them out as soon as you can. This helps you not miss your window. It also leaves no room for misunderstandings. Then, if it doesn’t work out, you can move on, knowing you tried and weren’t compatible.
Read Also: 7 Questions You Should Ask On A First Date
Accept the friendship
If the person you’re interested in only wants friendship, accept that. Friendship is just as valuable as romantic relationships, sometimes even more so. The friendship maybe even more rewarding. Having a great new friend is always a good thing.
Read Also: Communication Etiquette In Your Friendship Circles To Enhance Trust And Respect
End the friendship
This may be harsh, but ending the friendship may be a healthier option if you’re in too deep. This helps you grieve your feelings and can help you open up for another relationship. Ending the friendship can also help you avoid strain with your friend. In the long run, this will help you accept that the person is just not that into you. At the very least, you won’t try to sue them for not liking you back.
Check Out
6 Ways To Get Over A Friendship Heartbreak
8 Friendship Red Flags You Should Look Out For
5 Ways To Master The Art Of Detachment
I Got Out Of The Friendzone And Dated My Best Friend For One Month
Are You Really A Nice Guy Or You Are Faking It?
Are You Still Friends Or Is Your Friendship One Sided? Have You Become A Fan?
