The best (and worst) parts of dating your BFF

When you’ve been friends with someone for what feels like your whole life, dating them can feel equal parts completely natural and unbelievably weird. In CMT’s new series, a group of 20-somethings suddenly find their life-long friendships being tested as they weather growing up — and, occasionally, falling in love with each other.

Whether you’ve dated them in the past (like Gainesville‘s Andreya and Brian) or you’re debating making the plunge for the first time (like Beth and Kenny), dating your BFF is an experience unlike any other. While it might feel like you’re losing a friend, you might just end up gaining so much more.

Here are some of the best (and worst) parts of dating your bestie — and tune in to the series premiere of Gainesville, Thursday, August 20 at 10/9c on CMT to see what happens between Andrey & Brian and Beth & Kenny!

There’s no awkward getting-to-know-you period

You’ll never have to suffer through small talk, because they already know you like the back of their hand. Forget the New York Times‘ scientific formula for love — you’ve already covered every topic over the last twenty-something years.

… Which also means they know everything

When you’ve known someone forever, they get to witness the good, the bad, and the ugly — but luckily, so do you. Neither of you has to hide your pasts from one another, and you couldn’t even if you wanted to.

Hanging out with friends is super easy

Their friends are your friends — so you never have to choose between hanging out with one over the other. There might be an adjustment period in the beginning, but chances are, everyone in the group already saw this coming from a mile away.

… But your friends probably have their doubts, too

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when two friends in a group start to date, it changes the dynamic a little bit. “Taking sides” becomes a very real possibility, and the whole group shares in your breakup anxiety.

You already know what the other person likes

Whether favorite food or favorite shows to binge on Netflix, they already know about the little things that make you happy. They’re in tune to your interests, and likely share similar ones given that you’re already friends.

… And they’re not afraid to tell you when they disagree

The “honeymoon” period between friends-turned-couple can be very different from the “honeymoon” period between strangers-turned-couple. While the butterflies are definitely still there, your BFF isn’t going to tiptoe around the subject when you don’t see eye to eye on something.

You never have to “play it cool”

They know the truth: You already love each other unconditionally. There’s no need to try to impress. So much of modern dating seems to be who can act like they care less — but there’s none of that here.

… But you’re still going to see a different side of them

No matter how well you know a person, dating someone is a completely different rodeo.

You always have fun together

Whether it’s a night on the town or a night on the couch, everything is always more fun with your BFF — and that doesn’t go away once you start dating.

… And you can always depend on them

This should (hopefully) be true for any significant other, but your BFF already has a perfect track record of being there for you 24/7. They’re not going to ruin that now.

You worry that if you break up, you won’t be able to be friends again

This is the scariest part of dating a friend — especially a best friend. Like any relationship, sometimes things just don’t work out. If you and your bestie break up, it can feel like you’re losing two people and relationships in your life.

… But you couldn’t imagine being with anyone else

So why not give it a try?

Gainesville premieres Thursday, August 20 at 10/9c on CMT — and we can’t wait to tune in!