The friend zone cannot be simply defined – it's complex and dynamic. "Friendzone" can mean different things to different people. To me, friendzone meant I was stuck in a limbo of getting mixed signals, to others it might mean having not even the slightest idea that the other person reciprocates.

When my boyfriend and I started talking, there was immediate chemistry – there was no denying that. But, as the months progressed, there was less of a romantic possibility in sight and more of a friendship developing. At first, this seemed concerning – it wasn't what I wanted.

I wanted a relationship, not friendship, and the idea of that terrified me.

But, like all things – what was meant to be, happened in due time. I realized I needed to be patient, and the seemingly endless months that passed by were, in reality, beneficial to the relationship I have now. Ironically, I don't think I'd be in this relationship if it weren't for the friendship stage we had.

Girls, don't let other girls or even guys judge you for choosing to explore what the "friendzone" has to offer.

You never know what can happen, and social stigma is just that. We are free, and we are only human! Sometimes the friend zone won't let to anything more, but that's ok. Sometimes, it'll lead to life-changing or even whirlwind romances.

Destigmatizing the friend zone is something our current generation needs to work on. Especially among women, we need to stop judging other women who choose this romantic ordeal and embrace and empower each other regardless of the perception our decisions give to others of us.

It's OK to be in the friendzone!