Whether it’s a new acquaintance or a distant colleague, we sometimes get an immediate uneasy feeling about people. Advice columnist R. Eric Thomas suggests it’s valid to trust these instincts and reminds us that acknowledging discomfort can protect our well-being.

Many people have discovered the allure of dating a close friend, with 39% admitting to having taken this leap. While some celebrate the comfort, safety, and emotional depth it offers, others have learned that friendship and romance do not always mesh.