How Do I Tell My Friend I Want to Take Our Relationship Further?

Dear eNotAlone: I've been friends with this person for a few weeks now, and she's so lovely and everything. But oftentimes when we hang out together I feel like I want to kiss her or something, but I'm afraid that it would ruin our friendship. How do I go about telling her without making things awkward?

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When it comes to heart-felt matters such as this one, it can be hard to know exactly what to do. You are likely feeling nervous, scared and eager at the same time, and that is completely normal! Before taking any drastic action, ask yourself a few simple questions. For example: do you have enough confidence in your relationship right now to take this next step? Are you ready to deal with whatever the outcome could be?

The best way to tell someone something of this nature is to be direct, honest and sincere. Don't beat around the bush; be sure to tell her how you feel and your hopes for the future. Whenever possible, give her a chance to offer her opinion on how she feels as well. It's easy to let our feelings get the best of us, but try to remain calm and civil throughout.

Also, keep in mind that you may not get the answer you'd like. After all, it's impossible to know what someone else is thinking! So be ready for anything and always focus on being respectful no matter the response. If you're feeling particularly anxious, take a deep breath and talk it out with a trusted friend. It might help you feel better and gain some clarity before going into the situation.

Although it could be difficult, keep in mind that the health of your relationship is worth the risk. After all, friendship is built on transparency and trust, so focus on strengthening your bond rather than creating additional tension. Just be sure to remain level-headed and prepare yourself for the potential outcomes.