Friendships are intimate, and they’re often built on a foundation of trust. You might not share your most closely guarded secrets with a friend, but you probably know about each other’s values, struggles, and goals. By opening up to a new person and showing them your raw, unpolished self, you can create a strong, lasting bond—one that can lead to romantic relationships. Plus, being friends first can help you learn how to communicate effectively and avoid potentially emotionally charged discussions.
This article was originally published in September 2016 and has been updated. Read the original article here.