“Hunger Games” actor Sam Claflin on why he likes to be “friends first” before dating someone

No matter who you are or where you come from, dating is an inherently awkward game.  In the April issue of CosmopolitanSam Claflin revealed he likes to be friends first before he dates someone, and we’ve gotta say that makes SO much sense. Because if you know the person well, you’re way more likely to know if they’d be a good fit in the long run.

"Back when I was single, I never chatted up women I didn’t know or did the online-dating thing," Claflin recalled. "My relationships usually blossomed out of friendship. It’s the best way for me to know if it’ll work. I’m not a risk taker in that sense. I want to be sure that I won’t get hurt before I get into something serious."

And this approach seemed to work — Claflin has been happily married to fellow actress Laura Haddock since 2013, and they have one son together.

Claflin described himself in the interview as being “quite romantic all the time.” And we’re talking gestures big and small; from making his wife tea every morning (aww) to flying her out to LA for their first official date!

WHATTA GUY.

via giphyEver the humble gentleman, Claflin said he’s “more clumsy than smooth” when it comes to women (we find this hard to believe), but also that he’s open and honest. “I don’t keep my cards close to my chest,” he admits. “I’m not ashamed of what I have to give.” 

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Thanks for sharing with us, Sam. To friendship and dating, and the best of BOTH worlds!