from friends to lovers?

[stressedandundersexed]

So I've been friends with this girl for over a year. At first I thought of her as a potential girlfriend, but to be honest, I figured she was out of my league. Soon after, she had a boyfriend and I had a girlfriend. We would talk about our relationship problems and everything. Fast foward a year and some months. She has been broken up with her boyfriend for a couple months (a relationship of 10 months or so); She was quite distrought over the break up and I helped her through it. I broke up with my girlfriend because she wouldn't open up with me...hence not extreamly distrought over it (this was months ago anyway). Last weekend we went to a party together with a group of friends. She had to much to drink and got quite sick. I took care of her. I did everything possible to see that she felt better and was very respectful. Early in the morning, when she sobered up, we ended up cuddling in bed together and talking in bed for hours. She confessed to me that she had a crush on me when we first met. We discussed dating. She tells me she's been dating someone for a few weeks but they both agreed to date other people...she tells me that she's not emotionally attached to this other guy. I explained to her that I don't want to be a rebound relationship and that she should figure out what she wants. She claims that since the breakup she wants to simplify her life. So the next day we talk on the phone and we agree that dating would be fun. I'm not sure how to approach her at this point. I'm kind of infatuated by the idea of dating her now. I try not to overthink it but as you can see, that's not possible. I don't want to blow it by moving too fast with things, but I also don't want to move to slow and kill the momentum of a possible new relationship. I know that friends make the best lovers from past experiences, and I can really see something great with this girl. Please give me some advice. (PS sorry about the user name, I can't change it. I realize it's a bit superficial and not quite representative of my character)

[Rawbob]

Well...to be honest, your instincts have served you well so far, so i'd stay focused on those instincts and HEED what you feel. You also might want to think about "ideal date" scenerios. Since she's your friend, you could really have fun with exploring your respective "ideal dates." You know waht i mean by ideal dates, righ? Like, renting a sailboat and having wine and cheese on the bay (if you're near water) or having dinner on top of a overlook point (thats safe of course), stuff like that..think outside the box! Yo'ure already friends, follow your instinct and DO NOT STOP TALKING TO HER LIKE U DID WHEN U WERE BOTH JUST FRIENDS!

[LittleFury]

Sometimes going from friends to a relationship is a good thing. Thats what happened to me. My suggestion is keep it almost as it was, but try to spend a bit mroe time together, and making small gestures that you normally wouldn't do if you were just friends but would as a bf.
For instance, I go to school and my bf works not too far from school. I sometimes, then I can stop by his work and wait for him to have lunch together. Something I normally wouldn't do if he was just a friend.
Just take it one day at the time. See what you guys are in the mood for. Go with the flow, a lot of times thats the best.

[archer]

Dont worry too much...that's one thing you really shouldnt do. Take it a day at a time, and relax, enjoy being in her presence and being her 'boyfriend' (something that you have wanted for so long) and most importantly be her friend!

[stressedandundersexed]

You all have given me great advice. I've decided to take it slow. I'm going to try to not change my personality toward her. We talked on the phone today. She's obviously confused with the whole situation and still has bitter feelings toward her previous relationship. She tells me that she has trouble trusting people. I told her not to stress out and that I would continue to prove myself totally trustworthy. I guess I'm going to take the honerable nice guy approach rather than try to play any games (which I hate doing). The truth is that I care about her and if it's meant to be then things will just work out. I have a date with her on Friday, so pray that I don't screw this up