Totally get that. What I mean by "started out as friends" is genuinely that: we were friends and *I* wasn't looking for anything more, at least. Like, we were friends in a group of friends, how people do.

I also know I am STILL incredibly nieve and think if a guy is talking to me that he could just want to be my friend and nothing more and I will miss ALL THE SIGNS he's BLATANTLY hitting on me if he doesn't use the word DATE or is point blank direct.

Back to a bigger point, everything in life is a risk and we have to risk losing to get what he want.

I'm not talking about offering friendship as a means of getting INTO a relationship. Because let me tell you how much it sucks to find out this guy who you felt was a great friend was ONLY you friend because he wanted more and/or to have sex with you, and when he finds out you're not interested in more, you're no longer friends. It feels a lot like being used. Though at the same time, I completely understand not being able to/wanting to just be friends with someone you've developed feelings for who doesn't return them. And YET, I've been in those very situations with some of my oldest, closest friends and we've gotten past it and remained friends. So, it takes all kinds.

The "relationships out of friendships" I'm speaking of here were all truly organic friendships that grew into more over time. At least on my side. The men involved might have a different story to tell.