There comes a point where you have to make the decision between living silently in love with a friend, and actually making the move to do something about it. Often both parties are thinking the exact same, but both are too nervous to do anything about it.
Unless you want to live in the land of ‘What if I manned up and actually said something one day?’ for the rest of your life, then you’re going to have to make the move. And you’ll have to be prepared.
Before you tell them, try your best to anticipate their reaction. How do you think they are going to react? Will it be welcomed? Will they be surprised? Have you two had a change in chemistry together that would let them know this was coming? Try to put yourself in their shoes so you have a chance to brace yourself for how they’ll react.
Once you’re ready to tell them, do your best not to just blurt it out. Sometimes nerves get the best of people and you have no control over what you say, but attempt to start your sentence off with something simple like, “I know this is a big change but…” followed by an explanation as to why you think it would work for the two of you. As you’re explaining your position, make sure you say “This might be something you haven’t thought of before.” This makes them have to put thought into if they’ve thought of the pros and cons themselves. If they have, they’ll be reminded of what they thought about and if they haven’t, they’ll be forced to do a self-evaluation as to why not.
Friends dating is a big step, so tell them before they react, you want them to take a few days to consider it. That way whatever they may say will be a genuine response, not just a natural reaction to what you’ve said.
If they think about it and decide that dating isn’t the best option for the two of you, don’t take it personally! They’re not rejecting you, they’re simply passing on the idea of the two of you dating. Sure you may have reasons for being together, but they could have just as many valid reasons to remain friends, and you have to respect that.
If they think it over and decide that you should be more then friends, then make it special! Make sure that no matter how your attraction is, you’re constantly working on your communication. That way if your romantic relationship doesn’t work out, your friendship is still in tact.
If you want to tell someone you’re interested in a romantic relationship, then go for it! There’s nothing wrong with wanting something more than what you have. Be brave, be blunt, and get what you want!
