This one is going to be short and to the point...

The Friendzone absolutely is real, but it's a construct of your own making and is something guys do to themselves by settling for less than they desire.

If you want to be more than friends, then you must articulate your desire and risk rejection. If rejected, then you must have self-respect and move on. Playing at being friends as though it's a consolation prize, or feigning friendship while you secretly bide your time hoping the other person will change their mind, is the fast-track to bitterness and frustration.

Furthermore, by friendzoning yourself, that's right, this is something guys do to themselves, you can actually stunt your options and cause you to miss otherwise great relationships/flings/whatever because you've got tunnelvision on the oneitis you've developed for the person who has already rejected you.

Shoot me a message if you want my Twitter handle or to join the community Discord server.