When a guy says, "Just be friends," it usually means that he wants to maintain a platonic or non-romantic relationship with you. In other words, he is not interested in pursuing a romantic or intimate relationship at the moment or in the future. He sees value in the friendship and wants to continue having you in his life, but he does not want to take the relationship to a romantic level.
If both of you decide to be just friends now, several things may happen:
Platonic friendship: You'll transition into a platonic friendship, where you both engage in activities and conversations without any romantic or intimate intentions.
Emotional distance: There might be a period of emotional adjustment, especially if one or both of you had romantic feelings before. It could take time for those feelings to fade, and you may need to establish new boundaries in the friendship.
Respect and honesty: Both of you will need to be honest and respectful about your feelings moving forward. If one person still has romantic feelings, it's essential to communicate that and not lead the other person on.
Potential for a strong friendship: While it can be challenging initially, a strong and genuine friendship may develop over time. You'll get to know each other on a different level and share common interests and experiences.
Meeting new people: Being just friends might open up opportunities for both of you to meet new people and potentially find romantic partners who are more compatible with your current relationship goals.
Navigating jealousy: If one or both of you start dating other people, jealousy could become an issue. It's crucial to communicate openly and honestly about any feelings of jealousy and work through them together.
Shared interests: You can still enjoy shared hobbies, activities, and conversations that brought you together in the first place. Friendship can be a supportive and fulfilling bond.
However, it's essential to recognize that not everyone can seamlessly transition from a romantic interest to being just friends. In some cases, it may be emotionally challenging or even impossible to maintain a healthy friendship, especially if one person's feelings remain strong or if there are unresolved issues from the past relationship.
If you find that being just friends is too difficult or painful, it's okay to take some space and distance yourself for a while. Sometimes, people need time apart to heal and move on before attempting to build a genuine friendship. Remember that every situation is unique, and what works for one person or relationship might not work for another. The most important thing is to prioritize your emotional well-being and make choices that lead to a fulfilling and healthy life.