How can I tell whether my affectionate friend wants romance or friendship?

[Anonymous]

What would you pay attention to next to tell whether this is romantic interest or just a very close friendship? I have a close male friend whose family is extremely close with mine. He’s very affectionate with me, calls me an affectionate nickname constantly, gave me flowers for my birthday, says things like “let me take your pain away,” has called me a “wonderful girl” and said I’m “different,” answers my calls quickly, and recently volunteered to teach me how to drive. We tease each other constantly and can talk forever, but he’s never directly asked me out or told me he likes me. Since our families are so close, I know some of this could just be friendship. What would he have to do next that would make you think, “Okay, this guy definitely sees her as more than a friend”?

[SueShe]

I believe that there is much more than simple close friendship. A friend would not likely go to great lengths to talk the way he does, to do what he does just to keep that friendship alive.

He is hitting on you hard and perhaps you don't see it that way. I see it as if he is too shy to ask you out directly and that he wants you to make the first move.

I can't help but notice that you would want him to make the first move but this is not happening. If you want things to move, then you will have to jump into the cold water and do it.

[SueShe]

Thanks for the MHO

[Pterodon]

Look it’s real simple. Instead of trying to decipher shit and wasting time just ask him and get it over with

[Anonymous]

It seems pretty obvious.