Asking a friend out

__plec__

Hey, im sure this issue has been dealt with many times in this forum, so please excuse me if im just asking a question which has already been answered. But what is the best way to ask a friend out? Obviously honesty is the best approach, and would be my preferred way of going about it, however im struggling with how i should word it.

I've known this girl for about 6 years now, and have always gotten on brilliantly with her. We worked together for a year, and have remained friends since. Up until recently i've always thought she was brilliant, and really enjoyed hanging out with her, but that was it, just one of those really good friendships. However these past 2 weeks i've started to see her in a different light. The thing is i think she might be thinking of me in a similar way, however im aware that that may just be me seeing things as i want, rather than it being true.

I have toyed with the idea of just leaving it, as I value our friendship alot, but then i would always wonder what could have been. If i ask and she says no then things might be a little strange for a few weeks, but i do believe we'd easily get back to where we are without too much weirdness...and if i ask and she says yes, then i'd be the happiest man in ireland. She is beautiful, intelligent, very easy to talk to and has an amazing vibe about her (the list could go on) ..maybe im biased but the pro's massively outweigh the con's, in my head at least.

I'd just like to know if anyone else had a similar experience, and how they approached the situation, and what the result was?

Thanks for reading

What inclination has she given you that she is interested in you that way?

Asbury Park

you would have to be pretty sure she is interested too because despite what you might think, asking her out could harm your friendship if she turns you down. Is there any way of finding out how she feels, without asking her directly, such as a third party?

Irish_Elect_Eng

You seem to have picked up some "signals" that she may be interested also, that's a good start. And as you said, you are good friends, so I presume that you are capable of having a reasonable personal adult conversation.

I would say, go for it, the reward outweighs the risk and as they say, "faint heart never won fair maiden"

Be clear in your communication, don't give mixed signals to her and certainly don't bring it up when either of you are drunk. I would suggest making the invitation to a different date activity than you would normally share with her. If the usual place you meet her is a pub then date should be a meal, or a perhaps a gig. It should just be the two of you, if it does not work out then it is none of your mutual friends business, and it makes it easier to resume normal friendship.