Date a Mate

It's the traditional storyline of at least 40% of romcoms; the female lead runs around with a whole lotta' terrible men and is sworn off love forever, before realising that she's actually in love with her best friend, who's been in love with her the whole time. The poor guy has been rolling around in the friendzone for a while, a territory that I'm sure a lot of you guys would recognise.
 But, actually, it's true, dating a friend is one of the best things you can do... Here are 6 reasons why:

1. THEY KNOW YOUR WORST. They've seen you at your best, as well as at your very worst, and they're still attracted to you. You don't have to keep up the false pretence that you're flawless 24/7 because they've already seen you in sweats and a hoodie, in desperate need of a shower, and they still think you're fit.

Come at me boys

2. YOU KNOW YOU CAN TRUST THEM. You guys already had no secrets, and you already trusted one another with your lives. Trust is a big part of a relationship, and knowing you can fully, 100% trust them because you already did makes things plain sailing. You guys can share more than just secrets, with confidence.

3. YOU FAMILY ALREADY LOVES THEM. No awkward introductions here, they've been coming round to your house for years and your mum was already in love with them. Your siblings get along with them better than you get along with your own siblings, and they've managed to charm their way into your family's hearts already, even your dog loves them. Plus, your mum had already planned the wedding, she just didn't tell you.

4. YOUR FRIENDS LOVE THEM TOO. Yeah, at first they'll think it's a little bit weird, but they've been trying to get you two together for years. They always thought you were perfect for one another, and your friends love them just as much as you do. Therefore, having you both together is the dream they've been waiting for.

5. THEY KNOW YOUR RELATIONSHIP HISTORY. They know who your first kiss was, and the embarrassing story about your 'first time'. They know that you had your heartbroken and you've broken many in return. They've watched you go through arguments and relationship fights, and they've been there for you when you needed them, so they know how to not go wrong. They'll treat you right.

They are always supportive of your mistakes, and help to guide you in the right direction, even if it's by using playful force

6. EVERYONE ALWAYS TELLS YOU TO MARRY YOUR BEST FRIEND. When you date someone that person becomes like a best friend to you anyway. You guys have just skipped a step, why waste time, this way is so much more efficient. You guys both know that you get along so well, so you needn't worry about that. You're both into the same things and could talk for hours on end. No awkward first date moments here, perfect.