I read a lot here about how it's impossible to get out of the 'friendzone', and so to always show your intent straight away etc, but it seems like EVERYONE I know gets laid through social circle/being friends first.

Earlier on facebook, I noticed a girl (random girl I cold approached) i've been trying to bang is now in a relationship, and the dude seems to be some guy she's known for years

This is basically always the case, it seems

For me, i've only ever got laid with cold approach (I don't have many friends that are girls and I work with all men) so it all feels completely alien to me

Does the guy just literally text her one day and say ''I know we've been friends for 2 years but i've realised I fancy you!'' kind of thing? How does it typically happen in your experience? Maybe the mutual friends tell teh guy taht ''becky actually likes you as more than a friend'' kind of thing??

I'm sure you all have more insight into this than me lol, so i'm curious

I imagine 'making the move' on a girl who is a friend and who isn't giving you super strong IOI's to be very very difficult and awkward! (which is why i'm wondering if maybe mutual friends tend to play an important role!)

Share some stories of your own, or of your friends etc