Friendship often ends in love; but love in friendship - never.

Feeling moves more easily in one direction than the other. Standing beside someone long enough can quietly become wanting them, and the shift often surprises both people. Going back is harder than anyone promises: once love has been there, ordinary friendship tends to feel like a smaller room you are pretending to fit in. Know that before you risk a friendship, and forgive yourself for it afterwards.

If you are hoping a former love will settle into easy company, give it more time and far less contact than feels natural. And if a friendship is turning into something else, say it plainly rather than letting it live as a hint.