We may be closer to seeing the light at the end of this tunnel we call the pandemic, but it seems a new kind of “contagion” is going around inside Philippine schools–one that has ruined a lot of relationships, and shows no sign of slowing down. The treatment includes intense assurance, and the vaccine is two doses of loyalty.
LMAO (pero totoo).
We’re seeing a recent trend on social media where people post their suspicions about the closeness of their Significant Other (S.O) to their S.O.’s “best friend” (in double quotes, because this is always up for contention). While some are just that–suspicions, others have turned out to be real cases of red flags and borderline cheating.
Where did it come from?
‘Best friend’ is, as the term implies, a friend that is the closest and best one for you. However, over the years, the term best friend has become sort of (and weirdly) synonymous with friend zone–an emotional barrier that holds a person from having a romantic relationship with someone, or the idea of being relegated to “just friends” level so as not to further hurt the other person who’s still hoping for more. It’s like, hey, I like you, but not in a romantic way. You can be my best friend, though type of consolation. You’re still in that other person’s life, but there are limitations.
Well, not anymore.
For some, the “best friend” is slowly turning into this parasitic and opportunistic figure that is waiting to snag away your special someone. One by one, people are coming out with their own story about how a seemingly benign ‘best friend’ figure in their life has affected their relationship with their S.O.
It’s quite impossible to track down the first viral post regarding this topic, as many variations of this story have been made over time. But the bottom line in each narrative is that there is an intrusive ‘best friend’ who is pushing the boundaries or limits of their friendship with someone.
Now, this issue has become a hot topic again on social media because with the return of the face to face classes, people are worried that the ‘best friend’ of their special someone might make their move.
The memes
As expected, the boy/girl best friend trope is a gold mine for jokes and memes, prompting memers to poke fun at the issue:
Text Translation: Why would you be jealous of my best friend? The best friend: (via Facebook)
via TikTok
Text Translation: The boyfriend and best friend are having a confrontation; the girlfriend who is protecting the boy best friend:
Most of these contents were made for laughs, but some are unironically true and relatable.
What’s the remedy?
The memes are funny, the contents are witty. But at the end of the day people should acknowledge that it does happen–surprisingly not only with kids, but also with adults. It can cause permanent damage and trust issues in any relationship. In the end, there’s nothing nothing wrong with having a best friend while in a romantic relationship. But each party should assure one another that there’s nothing ‘weird’ going on with their best friend. And for the best friend, be just a best friend. Stop pushing to get in. In the words of random internet users:
‘Pag best friend, best friend lang bakit may pag-kiss kasi
/VT
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