It seems like everywhere you turn you hear about someone who's settling for friends with benefits instead of a real relationship. But not you, you're sticking to your hopes and dreams - you're holding out for the real thing.

And then there's your good friend (of the opposite sex) who's always there for you when you have a breakup or are starting a new relationship. That's a friend you always want to keep in your corner.

Feeling the Temptation
But, guys, what about that tingly feeling you get when you hug her? Girls, what about how warm and fuzzy you feel inside when he smiles that charming smile? Don't you sometimes wonder what it would be like to be more than friends? The answer: dangerous!

Jeopardizing Your Relationship
This type of shift could really be dangerous to your friendship. Even just a few experimental kisses can ruin a long-time friendship by short-circuiting the easy, comfortable way you two relate to each other. That electric tension will get in the way. You won't be able to just hang out because you'll be wondering if he's looking at your assets and hoping to touch them. Or he'll be wondering if you're yearning for another embrace when you hit him on the arm in that friendly, teasing way.

Hurting Your Chances
It could also be dangerous to your sex appeal. If you're out trying to attract guys and your boy/friend is hanging around putting out protective energy, your dating options become much more limited. And if he's got his eye on some cutie and you're leaning in, whispering in his ear, she's going to move on to a more available catch.

Making the Leap, or Not
In this scenario, you're not really consummating anything, but you're not really keeping the distance as friends either. Then you aren't really in each other's corner anymore, you're in each other's way. You need to stick to the friend zone, or make the move to try dating - with all the risk of lost friendship that entails. Choose wisely!