How do you take the next step with a boy you've been friends with for years?

[smartyanne]

We hang out all the time and have a ton of mutual friends so I'm a little bit afraid to take the next step and I think he is too, and also I don't know if he really likes me but I really like him, but it's scary and lately i've been getting anxious hanging out with him so i'm v awkward, pls advise

[Craftsman]

Ahh that old fear. I think everyone has had that dilemma in their lives, and if not, they soon will.

The approach that has worked for me and on me has been simple. First, get him a little bit away from the group to keep any gossip from starting. Then open with something along the lines of, "I really like being around you. I feel safe and relaxed with you. Would you like to meet for <fill in the blank, (coffee, ice cream, walk in the park, whatever)> to talk?" with maybe a hand on his arm or back of his hand. Eye contact and a sincere open smile and posture has helped me in the past.

Sometimes that works, sometimes not. Just keep in mind that if you don't try, the answer will often be 'no'. It may be that he will move closer, though there's no guarantee that will ever happen.

Best of success!