I've found that the relationships can be really different. With people who were friends first, it's a little more complicated.

I guess I trust my friends much more that guys who ask me out first thing. (Is this true for others?) Sometimes that results in a lot of pain if it doesn't work out. I miss the friend more than the boyfriend.

I think skipping the friend stage might be more honest. If you're attracted, why pretend you're not?