Lots of signals from her, am I seeing something more than just friends here?

[HotDogg]

A girl I've been crushing on for a long time, and we have sort of become close friends. We have the same circle of friends and see each other regularly. I've made a list of things I've noticed when we saw each other for a group dinner last week:

-At first she seems shy, and doesn't say hi, or make eye contact with me. (Sometimes she's like this, maybe she's just following my lead)
-We sat down for dinner and she moved seats to sit right across from me.
-I mentioned seeing my favorite beer being on the menu, and she got really excited and ordered one too to try it.
-She was a bit shy with eye contact at first, but eventually she would give me prolonged eye contact during conversation, four seconds or more.
-She really only talked to me, she would lean forward and was very happy to talk, and kept the conversation going.
-She handed something back to me, and I grazed her fingers almost holding her hand, and she didn't pull away. (I did this on purpose, I couldn't help it, but it could be seen as accidental... maybe?)
-While she was talking to me she would touch her hair pins (no hair twirling this time since it was in a bun), and would adjust her shirt.
-She would mirror my actions, taking a sip when I would take a sip.
-She remembered something I said a long time ago, that even I didn't recall.
-When it was time to leave, she stood up, let every one else go ahead and waited for me to leave the table and walked out with me to the cars, and started another conversation.

I don't want to ruin our friendship, so I've held my interest back as much as I could. How obvious do you think my hand touch was? (I'm not touchy at all, even with guy friends)

[kittenface]

The greeting hesitations are her way of reinforcing to herself that you like her.
The sitting across is definitely an indication of where her focus is. Her ordering something she knows you like and the prolonged eye contact are indication of her interest in you and what you have to say. Her mirroring your actions are her subconsciously being in tune with you.
Her directly initiating another conversation and making a point to be alone with you after the dinner are the clearest indicators of her interest.
The best thing for right now would likely be to continue along this path and not be too forward with her while you continue to gauge the situation.
After a few months, reevaluate and think about your next step.

[AMG63]

It could go multiple ways. It depends how deep your friendship is and how well you have both known each other for. It does sound like she is interested in you, there are a few things mentioned that are done when crushing on someone.. But also, if u believe she likes you, are you also watching her with other guys/ people and her reactions? As they may be shown out of context and blinding u. ..

Maybe next time you see her, do something simple like give her a hug hello... And see how long it lasts for?

[HotDogg]

I say close friends because she's told me things about her past that she wouldn't tell just anyone. I can tell she cares for my well being, she got my number from a friend so she could text me, to check up on me after I had an injury.

Which things in particular is she doing that is crushing behavior?

I have been watching her interactions with other guys and friends. She is reserved but friendly; however, the last half of this year her demeanor towards me has started to change. Lots of eye contact, usually for long periods of time, quick glances or catching her staring at me. Subtle "accidental" touching, and one incident of not so subtle touching. Comments that things I do are cute (even I "would look cute if I did this"). I am quite sure she doesn't do that with guys or friends, even close ones.

We've never hugged before, haha. Would be nice and a good test though.

[AMG63]

It really sucks not knowing.. I've had this with friends in the past that I'm even closer with 😂🔫
It's hard to say not knowing her. As u said her being shy could also have a lot to do with it.. She could be interacting more with you Purely just because she is comfortable, compared to the other friends, which considering u like her may look like to you, that she is crushing..
It's best to ask, but I'd eaze into it.. With grabs and small things like "how was your day" type messages.. slowly easing her into the situation, in case she is unaware you like her... Just making it seem like you're interested or wanting someone etc.. Then if she doesn't knock these small things back, slowly start moving into the more defined things like " would be nice to have a cuddle" type things where she can reply or put herself into the situation, in a more than friends way.. Before u ask outright; if she would be interested in a date, or however u ask

[HotDogg]

Ah, ok, I see what you're saying. My feelings might be skewing my point of view, being more hopeful than I should. I think I have been careful about this, as much as I can lol

But, how comfortable is her pressing her body into me twice, to where I could feel everything? I was standing by myself, she walked up and stood beside me and then leaned into me to point out something. This was definitely not accidental touching, and I think it seems a lot more than friends would do considering we've never been touchy like that.

[AMG63]

I'm not sure about the leaning into you thing..
Again, can be taken out of context.
If u think it's past that point of being able to slowly suggest things. Then just ask her?

I just thought it might be better on the friendship if clues are dropped first so If she works it out and doesn't like you, she can stop it. Compared to being surprised.

It's up too you, but If u ask her and she goes "why do u think I like u?" Kind of thing... Those types of touches don't really hold up.

[HotDogg]

Damn this context... lol.

Your idea of dropping hints slowly is good, if she didn't like the advances then she would shut me down. Any suggestions on what to do that won't be coming on too strong?

[cventrescaox]

She definitely likes you! Girls get nervous around guys that they like. I know I've done that a couple times in front of guys lol! Your in the same position as me.. You want to ruin the friendship. Which is understandable but ask her out see where things go.. And if she says no that then at least you know where you stand and just be friends with her.

[HotDogg]

Hmmm, definitely you say? That other girl down there thinks this is just friend behavior lol (but I think she's mad at me from another post).

We are pretty close, I really really don't want to make things awkward between us. I'd rather stay friends instead of be selfish with my feelings.

[Anonymous]

These are all moments- individually and together they don't mean much of anything. In fact, it is all normal friend behavior.

You say she's shy. Well, guess what? You can't be shy too. It just won't work. The fact that she's shy and talking to you says that she's at the very least comfortable. You asking her out won't ruin the friendship. And if you were really close friends, i think you'd have a better idea if she liked you.

I think you should ask her out. Analyzing her movements won't tell you much except for what you want to see. She at the very least likes you as a friend. Sometimes shyer girls are more difficult to read - I say be be bold and ask her to do something. As you are 31, I'm sure you are smooth enough not to make it awkward.

[HotDogg]

The thing that makes me think it it's more than friendly behavior is that she doesn't do this with any other guy friends, it seems she treats me specially and I get the vibe from her that she is attracted to me.

You are right, both of us being shy won't work, but I do think asking her out will make things awkward between us if she does not feel the same way.

[BellePepper]

I'd just ask her and if she says yes go get pizza. If she says no just be like "that's cool" and go get pizza.

[HotDogg]

I know her favorite pizza place... lol

[BellePepper]

PERFECT PLAN

[HotDogg]

Yes, nothing will go wrong!

[BellePepper]

LOL! Stay positive!

[HotDogg]

We've shared pizza there before, so your plan has potential. When I figure out if she really likes me, I will make it happen.

[BellePepper]

Good for you!

[MidnightStar]

Telling you man it seems like she likes you

[HotDogg]

That's what I'm thinking too... so I'm not just seeing things here? lol

[MidnightStar]

Nope