Should I marry my childhood friend?

Illustration/Uday Mohite

My father's best friend has a son who is my age. We grew up together because they used to spend so much time at each other's homes, so I have known him all my life. We both graduated from college a few months ago, and he recently told me that his dad has been asking him to consider marrying me. This came as a shock to me because I had never even thought of him in that way ever before. Since that conversation, he and I have spoken about this and are both surprisingly okay with the possibility. We know each other well, have been friends all our lives, and are sure we can fall in love with each other if we decide to go down that path. My only concern is whether I am depriving myself of a great relationship with someone else by simply taking this easy route that has been offered to me. What should I do?
There is no easy route to a great relationship because it involves work from both partners irrespective of how they get together. If the two of you believe this makes sense and want it to work, it will. There are always a million other possibilities for you both, if you choose to not go ahead, but there is also a chance that it may be the best thing you ever do. The only people with an answer to this is you and your friend, because no one else can possibly share that experience. I suggest you take your time, meet each other more often, and talk about what this means for you both. People can't force themselves into falling in love, so try and look at how this will change the way you look at each other, and how it will inadvertently have an effect on the easy friendship you currently have. Your respective parents are on your side, which makes it easier for you both to get to know other facets about yourselves before making any decision.

The inbox is now open to take your most carnal and amorous queries. Send your questions on email to lovedoc@mid-day.com