bodyType

customContents

entityId

printArticlePageQuery

filter

article

body

urlAlias

articleSectionsContent

articleSeoArticle

articleSourceHeaderArticle

contentSchemaRenderContent

contentSubHeadlineContent

contentHeadlineContent

mainImagePrintArticleArticle

authorBlockPrintArticleArticle

contentSponsorTagContent

articlePianoPaywallContent

scmpYoutubeContent

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

query printArticlePageQuery(
  $entityId: String!
  $customContents: [CustomContentInput]
  $bodyType: BodyFormatTypeEnum
) {
  article(filter: {entityId: $entityId}) {
    entityId
    body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
      json
    }
    urlAlias
    ...articleSectionsContent
    ...articleSeoArticle_3o8td4
    ...articleSourceHeaderArticle
    ...contentSchemaRenderContent
    ...contentSubHeadlineContent
    ...contentHeadlineContent
    ...mainImagePrintArticleArticle
    ...authorBlockPrintArticleArticle
    ...contentSponsorTagContent
    ...articlePianoPaywallContent
    ...scmpYoutubeContent
    ...hooksTrackPageViewArticle
    id
  }
}

fragment articlePianoPaywallContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksPaywallPromiseContent
}

fragment articleSectionsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      ...helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection
      ...entityLink
      name
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment articleSeoArticle_3o8td4 on Article {
  ...hooksArticleSeoArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersGetArticleTypeArticle
  entityId
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
  summary {
    text
  }
  subHeadline {
    text
  }
  body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
    text
  }
  keywords
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  topics {
    name
    entityId
    id
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  images {
    style(filter: {style: "768x768"}) {
      url
    }
  }
  readingTime
}

fragment articleSourceHeaderArticle on Article {
  urlAlias
  ...entityLink
}

fragment authorBlockPrintArticleArticle on Article {
  ...defaultArticleDateContent
  ...authorNamesArticle
}

fragment authorNameAuthor on Author {
  ...entityLink
  name
  entityUuid
}

fragment authorNamesArticle on Article {
  authorLocations
  authors {
    entityId
    location
    ...authorNameAuthor
    id
  }
}

fragment blockquoteQuoteContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment contentHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  socialHeadline
  ...contentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
}

fragment contentNewsletterWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
    id
  }
  sections {
    value {
      relatedNewsletters {
        ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
        id
      }
      id
    }
  }
  ... on Article {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment contentSchemaRenderContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...blockquoteQuoteContent
  ...imageContent
  ...inlineWidgetContent
  ...photoGalleryWidgetContent
  ...scmpYoutubeContent
}

fragment contentShareWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  shortUrl
  socialHeadline
  headline
}

fragment contentSponsorTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentSubHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  subHeadline {
    json
  }
  summary {
    json
  }
  ...contentSchemaRenderContent
}

fragment defaultArticleDateContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksArticleDateUtilsContent
}

fragment entityLink on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  __typename
  entityId
  entityUuid
  urlAlias
  urlRedirect {
    toUrl
    id
  }
  application {
    entityId
    id
  }
  ... on Section {
    fullSectionPath {
      entityId
      id
    }
    parentSection
  }
  ...helpersAppBarVariantBase
  ...helpersApplicationBase
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersAppBarVariantBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsLiveArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...helpersSectionContent
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersApplicationBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
}

fragment helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection on Section {
  name
}

fragment helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle on Article {
  entityId
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  disableOffPlatformContent
  sponsorType
  published
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment helpersCheckIsLiveArticle on Article {
  flattenTypeIds
  liveArticle {
    status
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    paywallTypes {
      entityUuid
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsStyleArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersGetArticleTypeArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        entityId
        id
      }
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter on Newsletter {
  entityId
  name
  alternativeName
  description {
    text
  }
  summary {
    text
  }
  homepageDescription {
    text
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle on Article {
  authors {
    types
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersStyleSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersUseContentSponsorContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    sponsor {
      ...sponsorTagSponsor
      name
      type
      id
    }
    id
  }
  ... on Article {
    sponsorType
  }
  ...helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent
}

fragment hooksArticleDateUtilsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  createdDate
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
}

fragment hooksArticleSeoArticle on Article {
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle
  entityId
  headline
  socialHeadline
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
  images {
    generic_og: style(filter: {style: "og_image_scmp_generic"}) {
      url
    }
    styles(filter: {styles: ["og_image_posties_article", "og_postmag", "og_image_style", "og_image_scmp_analysis", "og_image_scmp_explainer", "og_image_scmp_editorial", "og_image_scmp_fact_check", "og_image_scmp_debate", "og_image_scmp_live", "og_image_scmp_obituary", "og_image_scmp_opinion", "og_image_scmp_review", "og_image_scmp_series", "og_image_scmp_generic"]}) {
      url
      style
    }
    type
  }
  urlAlias
}

fragment hooksContentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        name
        entityId
        description {
          text
        }
        id
      }
    }
    ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  }
  flag
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  ...hooksContentHelperContent
}

fragment hooksContentHelperContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle
  ...helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle
  ...helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle
  flag
}

fragment hooksPaywallPromiseContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment hooksTrackPageViewArticle on Article {
  entityId
  publishedDate
  headline
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  entityUuid
}

fragment imageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  ...checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent
}

fragment inlineWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentNewsletterWidgetContent
}

fragment mainImagePrintArticleArticle on Article {
  images {
    title
    url
    isSlideshow
    size_652x446: style(filter: {style: "652x446"}) {
      url
    }
  }
}

fragment photoGalleryDialogContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment photoGalleryWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...photoGalleryDialogContent
}

fragment scmpYoutubeContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  publishedDate
}

fragment sponsorTagSponsor on Sponsor {
  name
  type
  images {
    url
  }
}


sections

types

disableOffPlatformContent

sponsorType

published

headline

socialHeadline

authors

images

publishedDate

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

keywords

topics

readingTime

authorLocations

entityUuid

The Washington Post

The potential bliss in converting a friend to a romantic partner is everywhere: There are many happily-ever-after examples in pop culture, from When Harry Met Sally to Friends to How I Met Your Mother to Always Be My Maybe. Even Facebook is trying to play Cupid within your friend group: the social network’s new dating platform has a Secret Crush feature where users can find out if unspoken interest might be mutual.
But there’s also potential for an awkward ending, where you’re forced to encounter your ex at every mutual friend gathering for the rest of time – and your pals may also be privy to how you treated them, who ended it and why.
In many ways, developing a friendship is similar to that early dating stage before you’re officially “in a relationship”. You might not be going on dates, but you’re learning about one another in a casual setting. You’re gauging whether there’s an easy rapport, and if you want to spend more time together. You’re developing a foundation of respect and understanding for this person’s character.
10 tips to ensure online dating success
This is why dating a friend can be effective in the long-term, with the right communication.
Before you try to convert your crush into a significant other, here are some questions to ask yourself – and your friend.
Are you really interested – or is this prospect enticing just because it’s convenient?
It’s important to determine whether you’re genuinely interested in your friend, says Lindsey Metselaar, dating expert and host of the millennial dating podcast We Met at Acme.
“You should make sure this person is someone that you would want to date regardless of your friendship,” she says. “You should be positive that they have the qualities you would look for in a partner, and that you aren’t considering them just because of the history between you.”


If you genuinely value what a friend brings to the table, and can name, without effort a bunch of partner qualities they have – plus, of course, you’re attracted to them, not just physically, but in terms of personality, you could well be authentically interested. If you’re not feeling you have to rush to make a decision – because you’re friends, anyway, nothing’s changing there – you can work out if you really like them “like that”.
Once you press play, “things tend to move faster because you are already past the initial stages of getting to know each other,” Metselaar says. Which brings us to the next important question ...
What kind of relationship are you looking for?
Since you already know your friend pretty well, a romance could escalate quickly, so it’s important to be open about whether you’re looking for something casual or potentially long-term. If you’re looking to be together forever, and you’re not ready for a serious relationship, you need to be upfront.
7 seriously underrated feelings (and how to experience them more often)
If you’re not ready for something serious, it might be best not to date a friend. Ghosting, lack of communication, and being wishy-washy hurts when it’s someone you’ve only been on a few dates with; it’s worse when it’s someone you’re already close to.
“If you’re selecting a partner because you know they’ll jump at the chance at dating you, and you know in your heart that it’s temporary or seasonal, I recommend that you stay in the friend zone for the benefit of the friendship,” says Julie Spira, a dating coach and online dating expert.
If you date a friend and then break up, it can be hard to go back to friendship without bitterness. At least if you lay out expectations beforehand, there’s more of a chance the friendship can be salvaged if the s**t hits the proverbial
The friend I have feelings for is in a relationship. Do I say something or wait for them to break up?
In most cases, if you want to date a friend who is not single, it’s best to let that friend end their current relationship without any interference from you, Spira says.


“Things will get complicated if you are responsible for potentially breaking up your friend and their partner,” she says. “Your confessional talk could result in a relationship overlap, and there’s no chance of a good ending for all.”
It’s best, Spira insists, to let nature run its course.
But sometimes it’s extremely obvious there’s a rare chemistry between you two. McCall Renold, from San Francisco, met Nick in the first week of their first year at university. They hit it off quickly, but Nick had a long-distance girlfriend. As their friendship deepened, it became clear to everyone around them that they had something special.
How to make friends once you no longer have the convenience of high school
“Our senses of humour matched, and we just seemed to ‘get’ each other,” Renold says. “It was definitely strange how close we became without becoming romantically involved, evolving into a friendship that was so close we were basically dating in all but the physical ways.”
For three years, as Nick’s long-distance relationship languished – and their friends and family thought they should be dating – Renold finally cracked. “I said, ‘What are we doing here?’ ” she recalls. “’We both clearly have feelings for each other, and everyone sees it!’”
Nick broke up with his girlfriend, and they started dating immediately, but they kept it quiet on social media for a while out of respect for his ex.
We’re both single. What’s the best way to broach the prospect of dating?
If you want to date a single friend, it is best to keep it light. “Treat them like a friend, and start by getting to know each other; then go for drinks, and see what happens,” Metselaar says. Extend an invite, but don’t invite others. Pick a date-like spot. See if you can go deeper and create “a vibe”.


If you’d rather take a direct approach, Spira suggests wading into the conversation as theoretical, perhaps: “What would you think about us as a couple?” Or: “Have you ever thought about us dating?” If the answer is no or there’s an awkward pause, you can probably back away fairly quickly by laughing it off.
Metselaar says if it’s a “go”, talk about whether you’re going to be open about your newfound status with any mutual friends.
If your friend doesn’t want to date, how do you minimise the awkwardness?
This is obviously the most painful outcome, which is why it’s important to prepare for rejection and awkwardness as real risks before you express interest in dating.


Wendy Walsh, host of the iHeartRadio podcast, Mating Matters, is all about making “a bold move” to see what happens. You’ve likely noted the qualities you like, know a lot of the bad (so there are few surprise negatives), and have observed how they treated past partners.
“You’ve already created the glue for long-term monogamy, which is an emotional connection,” she says. “But just know if your attraction isn’t mutual, you’ll likely lose the friendship,” she says. “So think long and hard about how valuable your platonic friendship is before you make that move.”
How to get over a crush who doesn’t reciprocate your feelings
If you’re shut down, be clear that you would like to remain on good terms. “If, after opening a dialogue about dating, the feelings are mutual, let your friend know how much you cherish your friendship,” Spira says.
And then, be a good friend. Do not press the issue. One declaration and a clear conclusion should be the last time you discuss it.

This article was curated by Young Post. Better Life is the ultimate resource for enhancing your personal and professional life.



5 questions to ask yourself if you want to date a friend

Friendship can be a good basis for a relationship - but it helps to answer some important questions first.

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The idea of moving a relationship out of the friendzone into a romantic partnership is very appealing, but unless you consider these issues, it can backfire. Badly


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