Dear Anne
I've know this girl for about 12 years and we've been best mates for 9 years! We kind of did everything with each other, all the stuff best mates do, I guess. But in the last year I've begun to fall in love with her. She's the perfect woman and she knows me better than anyone! Three months ago she moved into my house, separate rooms of course! I just can't help feeling the way I do, but the big problem is, do I say something or keep my gob shut in case it ends an amazing relationship? Simon
Dear Simon
Whoa there! If you trample straight in and lay all your feelings on the line, she might panic or feel overwhelmed. True, she might be happy, but you don't know that. So why not just say, quite casually, "Do you fancy going out on a date with me?" Because lovely as she is, you don't know for certain how she might be in relationship so try before you buy, so to speak! Dating is about finding out whether you and a girl are compatible, and though you know this one so well, you still both need to practise being boyfriend and girlfriend and see if you both want the same things.
The other advantage of this simple question is the "least said, soonest mended" angle. If you haven't gone overboard and declared undying love before even asking her if she'd like to go out with you, it won't be so awkward if she says no.
Which she might. Or not. But not asking her pretty much guarantees you and she will never have a chance as a couple. Good luck, Simon, and don't let your gob get carried away!
