Through thick, thin, and the spaces in-between, they've been right beside you. You probably have secret handshakes, spur-of-the moment adventures, and an infinite supply of inside jokes. You've seen them be dorky, messy, sad, and sleepy. You've seen them be caring, inspired, clever, and free--and you've loved them through all of it. In some instances, your love for one another is so strong that it can leave you wondering if your best bud should actually be your sweetheart. Here are some subtle and not-so-subtle signs that you and your best friend are meant to be:

1.) You’re completely at ease with them. With past romantic partners, you’ve felt like your heart’s about to capsize from an overdose of “what if’s”. The nervousness you feel around someone you have feelings for can cause all kinds of new anxieties to surface, ones that you didn't even know were possible. But with your bestie, you interact in a way that's anxiety-free. Everything is a-okay.

2.) You joke about being in love/getting married. Haha it’s cool bro, we’re not in love or anything, we’ve just talked about a honeymoon in Venice and found matching converse to wear at the ceremony… This is what all friends do!

3.) Your parents/grandparents have “foreseen” you guys being together. Maybe one day your mom makes an offhand comment after your bestie leaves about how you should marry each other someday, and you find yourself yelling “I know!” and shutting yourself in your room because the whole ordeal is just too much... Never underestimate a mom’s omniscience.

4.) You get jealous of each other’s significant others. They’re the best person you know and they deserve everything they could ever want… Except that person they’re into. Heck, you’re even jealous when they just kiss someone else. Oh, your BFF was making out with someone at a party? Good for them! Get it! Ha. Ha. Haha. Were they cute? *sobs internally*

5.) There’s no mystery. This person has seen you with your retainer in after just waking up for the fourth day in a row without a shower. The so-called “erotic mystery” is non-existent. In fact, it has morning breath and it’s eating all your Cheerios on a Saturday morning… Did I mention how nice it is to not have to try too hard?

6.) You cuddle. Whether their head is resting on your lap sometimes, or you’re entangled in a blanket talking about life, it’s not uncommon. You enjoy cuddling with them immensely. And then one day you’ve fallen asleep on their shoulder and you become Pam from The Office and fast forward you’re married because for goodness sakes just date them so you can cuddle even more!

7.) You’ve had a suspicion that they feel the same way about you. You can probably recall times alone with them where you thought they were going to kiss you, or you felt like kissing them. Maybe you’ve even talked about what you want in another person, and they’re exactly it, but for some reason it’s taboo to say so.

8.) You’re scared to be with them in “that way”. You wouldn’t want to jeopardize something so beautiful. Losing them could hurt pretty awfully, so why risk it? There’s also the fact that they’re your best friend, and wanting to be romantic with them is new territory that can feel pretty awkward... But it's gotta be worth it, right?

9.) They make you happy. Why would you be with anyone who makes you less happy than your best friend does? You enjoy everything they bring to your life and they feel the same way about you. You both deserve to be the happiest you can be, so if you think dating your best friend will make your heart full, go for it.