Thai Dating – From Classmates to Soulmates!

Researchers Uncover Why Old School Friends Spark Love More Easily Than Strangers!

 

Has anyone ever heard the phrase, ‘If only I’d known sooner, I would’ve asked them out ages ago!’? Often, we spend so much time searching for someone special, only to discover that the perfect match has been right there beside us all along. But why does this happen? Today, Bangkok Matching, Thailand’s premier high-end matchmaking company, will dive into the reasons why ‘old school friends’ often fall in love more easily than with someone completely new. Key insights reveal why we might be more inclined to open up to an old friend rather than starting fresh with someone unfamiliar.

 

To understand this better, let’s first look at findings from a study by Associate Professor Anthony Stinson from the Department of Psychology at Victoria University in Canada. His research on romantic relationships that begin as friendships surveyed over 1,900 participants from Canada and the U.S. It revealed that 68% of current couples started out as friends, ranging from friendships lasting a few months to many years.

 

A follow-up study, focusing on 300 university students who began as friends, found that friendships typically shifted to romance around 22 months, or just under two years, into their connection. Interestingly, most did not initially see their friend as a romantic partner, highlighting how friendship can be an ideal foundation for a relationship, even when romance isn’t part of the plan.

 

This finding aligns perfectly with Bangkok Matching’s approach to matchmaking. The natural progression from friendship to love stems from shared experiences and trust. As friends, we feel secure, comfortable, and accepted—qualities that can easily evolve into love over time.

 

• How does building a relationship with an old friend differ from starting anew with a stranger?

 

While dating someone new can bring a sense of excitement and novelty, it often involves navigating uncharted territory and unfamiliar social circles. Many find that what starts as thrilling may ultimately lead to unmet expectations or repeated heartbreak.

 

On the other hand, dating someone who was once a friend skips many introductory steps. Both of you already know each other’s basic personalities, quirks, and habits—things you might hesitate to show a stranger. They likely know these things and accept them, having seen them as endearing from your school days. This established comfort allows for a natural, less stressful relationship. Additionally, a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that over half of participants saw starting a relationship from friendship as the ‘best’ foundation, more so than meeting through parties or online.

 

Relationship experts from HerNorm have also commented on this phenomenon, noting that relationships are often more successful when they begin as friendships. So, why is this the case? Let’s dive deeper with Bangkok Matching, Thailand’s premier high-end matchmaking company, to explore why relationships with old friends have that extra spark and strength!

 

 

7 Reasons Why Rekindling a Relationship with an Old School Friend is Easier than Dating Strangers

 

Because being friends first lets you skip over the basics and fast-tracks relationship building, dating an old friend also makes for a stronger, more enduring connection. Here are the seven key reasons why high-end matchmaking experts at Bangkok Matching think dating an old friend often brings unmatched advantages.

 

1 Skip the Introductory Steps

When dating a stranger, you start with introductions and a gradual exchange of details—name, age, education, family background, and personal stories. This step-by-step process can feel repetitive and time-consuming. But with a former friend, you can bypass the basics and dive right into meaningful conversations with someone who already knows you, making it easier to connect deeply.

 

2 Familiarity and Shared Understanding

Friends already know each other’s quirks, personalities, and differences. So, when reconnecting, you have a base understanding of each other that can ease the transition to something more serious. You have a sense of whether your personalities would mesh in a deeper relationship, saving both time and potential misunderstandings.

 

3 Be Yourself Entirely

Being yourself is crucial in a relationship, yet revealing your true self to a stranger can be intimidating. The fear of judgment can make you hold back. But with a friend, who has likely already seen many sides of you, you feel free to be genuine without fear, setting a solid foundation for love.

 

4 Memories and Shared Experiences

Old friends often have shared experiences and significant moments that a stranger wouldn’t relate to. These shared memories build emotional bonds and provide a natural flow to conversations, bringing laughter, nostalgia, and a unique depth to your connection.

 

5 Trust is Already There

Trust takes time to build, especially with a stranger. But a former friend already has a measure of trust and respect built up. Even if you’ve been apart for some time, the underlying trust remains, letting you feel more secure in this person’s reliability and intentions.

 

6 Clearer Future Planning

Friends can talk more openly about future plans without worrying if it’s too soon. With a stranger, discussions about the future can feel premature and risky, but friends tend to know each other’s goals and aspirations, allowing for smoother, more confident conversations about future possibilities together.

 

7 Easier to Set Relationship Expectations

Old friends have had plenty of shared experiences, and talking about relationship expectations is easier because you know each other’s communication styles and boundaries. This makes it simpler to set agreements on how you’ll both move forward, spend time together, and balance roles—essential for building a sustainable relationship.

 

At Bangkok Matching, we believe that friendship before romance offers a genuine advantage. Some clients who seek our matchmaking services, especially those less comfortable with small talk or building connections from scratch, find this familiar foundation especially valuable. For those who want a safe, tailored dating experience with someone who fits your dreams, Bangkok Matching’s high-end matchmaking services are here to help. We offer expert guidance, professional support, and, with over 19 years of experience, unmatched insights to help singles create serious, lasting relationships. Leave it to the pros at Bangkok Matching to find your perfect match today!