It’s a common movie trope; the young lover has a small window in a desired romantic relationship during which they can morph the teasing and joking and friendly flirting into a bonafide amorous (sexual) long-term romp. Avoid the friend zone at all costs. There’s no turning best of buds into anything more. Many sitcoms are based on this out-of-balance dead-end where love and like clash into an ill-defined jumble of dysfunction. Whole movies revolve around the plot – When Harry Met Sally is the perfect example. Platonic expertly illustrates you can be best friends without sexual tension, Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen showcasing various other kinds of heightened emotion.
We are trained by entertainment to seek the sexual climax (wink) as the end all, be all. But really, Happily Ever After doesn’t end in the bedroom (or airplane bathroom).
Happily Ever After ends in the friend zone. No matter the number of one-night stands or first date mash-ups, the characters only find happiness (ever after or no) when two people trust, love, share, understand, forgive and hold hands through whatever life throws their way. Don’t fall for the fairy tales and comedic romcom endings. The friend zone is the touchdown in the endzone.
Patty Mayeux Blog 
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