When someone says, "I just think of us as friends," it typically means that they do not have romantic feelings for the other person and see the relationship as platonic or non-romantic in nature. Here are some possible interpretations of this statement:
Lack of romantic interest: The person is trying to communicate that they don't see the relationship evolving into a romantic one. They value the friendship but don't have romantic feelings for the other person.
Clarifying boundaries: By stating that they see the relationship as friendship, the person may want to establish clear boundaries and avoid any misunderstanding about the nature of their connection.
Honesty and openness: The person might want to be transparent about their feelings to avoid leading the other person on or giving false hope.
Preserving the friendship: Sometimes, people choose to clarify their feelings to maintain the friendship without complicating it with romantic interests that aren't mutual.
Testing the waters: In some cases, a person might use this phrase to gauge the other person's reaction and see how they feel about remaining friends.
Overall, when someone makes this statement, it's essential to respect their feelings and take their words at face value. If you were interested in a romantic relationship but they see you as a friend, it's important to accept their decision gracefully and determine if you can continue the friendship without harboring unrequited feelings. Open communication and understanding are crucial to navigate these situations while preserving the friendship.