<p>I’ve known this girl since the beginning of last year, but at the time, I didn’t really think anything about her. Since then, I’ve gotten to know her a lot better and I realized that I really liked her right before summer. When I got back, I realized I was really nervous because I didn’t know how to act. I’ve kept my cool since then, hung out with her more, etc., but I have a few things holding me back:</p>
<p>1) I can’t tell if she has a boyfriend or not. There is this one guy that her friends were joking that she likes, but she explicitly said he wasn’t her boyfriend. I’ve debated all possible reasons why he could be one or the other and I come up in the middle. I don’t know what to think. Should I just assume that she doesn’t have a serious relationship with him?</p>
<p>2) We’re in a very tightly knit group of friends (all of these friends I’ve known for a year or more). So, I never have any time alone with her. Flirting in any way would be awkward at best.</p>
<p>So maybe I missed the opportunity to pursue a serious relationship? Is it too late to be considered more than “just a friend”? FYI, I’m a little shy and never had a girlfriend before.</p>
<p>I cracked up when I read the title for this thread. Is it ever too late to fall in love? I assume you meant that as a hypothetical question.</p>
<p>With that said, you basically two options: remain as you are–timid, shy, and hesitant about conveying your feelings across–since there is a guy she may or may not like, or take the initiative and investigate if she feels the same about you.</p>
<p>In answering your question, no, it is not too late to be considered more than “just a friend”. But if you are willing to pursue that path you should at least be privy to the possible consequences that may follow. Either way, you will have regrets, whether you don’t confess and reflect on that mistake in later years, or do confess but emerge unsuccessful in your ordeal, which then creates a chasm in the “just friends” relationship between you and her.</p>
<p>The chance of gaining something [love] also entails the chance to lose something [friendship]. How much you will gain or lose of both, however, can only depend on her.</p>
<p>Wow… I’m impressed with the quick and thorough reply. Thanks. It definitely allowed me to examine this a bit differently. I think the best course of action is to take it easy, but not hesitate to tell her how I feel if the chance presents itself. What do you think?</p>
<p>I’m just worried that making it awkward between us could make it awkward to be around some of my other friends as well. Since everyone is different, I have a hard time imagining how everyone would react :/</p>
<p>If she rejects you, go home, have a drink, watch a film, go to sleep, and there will be another new day with even more opportunities than there were previously. </p>
<p>I am in a similar situation right now, so you are not alone. Although difference here is that I know the girl I like is definitely single.</p>
<p>Rule of thumb: the longer you wait with approaching a girl, the more awkward it gets. </p>
<p>Sounds you’re in the “friend-zone”, which means she sees you the same way as her lady friends. It’s hard to get out of there, but it isn’t impossible. Just give her little cues every now and then, don’t be too forward out of the blue. Just a little smile every now and then or a wink is a good place to start. Keep this up for a while and she’ll get the idea.</p>
<p>Flirting is never a bad thing in my book, just don’t do it in a creepy way. I could probably get arrested for the things I sometimes say to girls and most of the time they love it. It’s the way you say it. Tonality, facial expression, confidence etc. </p>
<p>No fear, go for it or you’ll end up hating yourself forever. Take a chance, make life interesting. You don’t have much to lose. Platonic relationships are pretty much useless anyway. If you do get blown out, have a drink on it and move on. At least you gave it a shot and acted like a man.</p>
<p>Just be casual, invite her to do something just the two of you. Casual like coffee, burgers, etc… Spend some time with just her, away from your group, see if you really click on a 1-on-1 basis or if it’s awkward. If it goes well, then see if she may be interested in going on a date with you.</p>