How do I get out of the friend zone?

Dear Lulu Jeh: I’m in love with one of my best friends. I think she thinks of me like a brother, always inviting me over for family dim sum and asking me to go run errands with her to keep her company. I’m happy to do all those things, but how do I get out of the friend zone? — Best Friend Forever

Well, BFF, I hate to say it, but the friend zone exists for a reason. She obviously cares about you and sees you as an important person in her life, but by now you would probably know if she had romantic feelings for you. Just as she is almost definitely aware that you are in love with her.

Do you think she has feelings for you too? If you’ve seen the signs of more than just platonic friendship —flirting, physical affection, sometimes jealousy — you could confront her and put it all out there. But then you risk alienating her or weirding her out.

If you’re pretty sure this is an unrequited love story, you could decide to accept the platonic relationship that means so much to both of you and try to get over her by dating other people.

Maybe she doesn’t think she has feelings for you, but seeing you with another person could prompt her to look at you differently — as the very available guy with great taste, funny jokes and a romantic side that I’m sure you are.

Or… you could be friends forever. But that isn’t so bad, is it? — Lulu

Have a question for Lulu Jeh? Send a note to letters@theloophk.com.