How to Write the Friends-to-Lovers Trope

This week on my Romance Trope series, we’re talking about another very popular trope found in many novels: the friends-to-lovers trope.

As the name implies, this trope revolves around two characters who start out as close friends and who develop or have been harboring romantic feelings for one another.

It’s a great one because it’s one of those tropes than can be so relatable in real life. (I mean, as compared to, say, the one bed trope. How many times have you booked a room somewhere and the room you ended up staying at with your crush very conveniently only had one bed? I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m saying it’s less likely.) Every day, people are falling in love with their best friend or realizing that they’re in love with their best friend.

Being friends first has often been one of the most surefast ways of finding love, with their developing feelings of love often rooted in their deep bond, shared history, and mutual understanding, making their eventual romance feel earned and satisfying.

So you’d think writing friends-to-lover would be a breeze, right?

Well, you definitely don’t have to reinvent the wheel doing it. But nevertheless, here are some tips you can follow to ensure that your friends-to-lovers story is landing the jump.

Established Friendship

An established relationship between the MCs is important when writing a friends-to-lovers trope.

The characters often share a strong, platonic bond at the start of the story. They may have grown up together, been through hardships, or simply been a part of each other’s daily lives for years.

Romantic feelings from one or both parties could already exist, but likely in an undisclosed and unrequited manner.

Unspoken feelings

Drop subtle hints that one or both characters may feel something deeper. Use lingering looks, small gestures (like brushing a hand), or moments where they feel jealousy or protective instincts.

Catalyst for change

Something typically sparks a shift in their dynamic, such as a life event, jealousy, or a “fake relationship” situation (another trope to be discussed later in this series!), leading them to see each other in a new light.

The friends-to-lovers trope is like a train on a crash course, as the MCs admitting/keeping their feelings hidden becomes impossible to do. Sooner or later an unforseen event forces them to confront their feelings.

Highlight the benefits of their friendship

Emphasize how their friendship makes their romance stronger and why their compatibility is unmatched by/with any other character.

For example, they already understand each other’s flaws, quirks, and dreams, making the relationship feel authentic and secure.

Slow burn vibes

Take time to show the shift from friendship to love. Let their feelings develop naturally, with small moments of realization that build up to a romantic turning point.

The fear of ruining the friendship usually plays a big part in these stories, and it’s an important aspect that should not be ignored.

How to Write the Friends-to-Lovers Trope