Even if you’re attracted to your friend, you may decide that it’s advisable to take things slowly and cautiously if the two of you are already close.
If your other friends learn how you feel, they may subtly talk to the friend you like, facilitating the process. Keep in mind that your other friends are affected by whether or not you start dating. While this shouldn’t necessarily prevent you from asking a friend out, show enough respect to be conscientious about your evolving relationship with that friend and what consequences it might have.
Don’t dole out your attention to your friends unfairly. Take an opportunity to spend time alone with your friend if one arises, but don’t make them feel forced to split off and ignore the rest of your company.
Learn to take “no” for an answer. If your friend agrees to spend time with you one-on-one but makes it known that they’re uneasy with the dating label, accept their position graciously and plan to find something casual to do. Put whatever misgivings they have about endangering your friendship to rest by assuring them that you’ll remain friends regardless of how things turn out.
It’s probably better not to ask your friend out in a group setting where they may feel pressure to respond in a certain way.
Think about how your friend does most of their communicating and go with their preferred mode. That way nothing feels off when it comes time to broach the subject.
It might be easiest to suggest that just the two of you do something together as friends sometime, since this will cause no initial concern of changing the nature of the relationship. If your desire is to continue dating as more than friends, though, make sure you’re displaying your intentions honestly. If your friend declines your offer, smile and carry on in an amiable manner. He or she will likely be worried about straining the friendship if they turn you down. Make sure that they know you’re still happy to be their friend. It’s possible that the time just wasn’t right, but now that your friend is aware of your feelings they may in time discover that they’re attracted to you as well.
Try to think of your new relationship as a branching outgrowth of your friendship, not a replacement for it. All of your interactions should come from a place of caring and acceptance. There’s no reason for the friendship to suffer simply because you’re trying to build on it.
Make some time each week for all of your friends to get together. During this time, involve yourself in the group’s activities and discussions, and don’t make it feel like you and the friend you like are separating yourselves from the rest of your friends. [11] X Research source
You shouldn’t be embarrassed or feel the need to “punish” your friend if things don’t work. Withdrawing from your friend group will make you appear sulky and may send the message that you were only looking to date the person from the beginning. Allowing resentment to build up will take its toll on your friendship, which is precisely what you don’t want to happen.
For a first date, keep things from feeling too serious by suggesting a short hike or picnic outside, a casual dinner at one of your favorite restaurants followed by coffee, or a movie.
