Search Results: wasting time with a girl

They are very very close. They known each other for like 7 years since they were kids. The fact that they known each other for a long time is the only thing keeping me at ease because wouldn't something have happened by now? But at the same time, there has been so many stories of best friends falling in love with each other so I am super paranoid.

I noticed they seems to be getting more and more close recently. They cuddle together and casually hold hands a lot. Like they were even holding hands the entire time during a photoshoot. Then, I saw a video of her sitting on his lap with his arms around her waist. It wasn't like they were keeping it a secret though so I just ignored it thinking it's fine because they were just playing a game with the chair. They are each other favorite person - I told myself that it's okay if he doesn't see me as his favorite person because he knew her wayyyy longer. They even see each other as backup husband/wife.

I feel like the only difference is that we have sex and kiss but they obviously don't. We been dating for more than a year now but I need to know if this is normal and I am not wasting my time. Like should I be worried about his relationship with his girl best friend or is it normal between two friends?

We have to worry about getting used for sex or getting string along, someone wasting our time, etc.
I'm now trying to place myself on a man's shoes. I'm guessing it must be hard always being brave enough to ask her out and getting a successful answer if lucky. Assuming the guy wants a long-term commitment, the steps includes asking her out on a date, then asking her to be your girlfriend, asking her to move in with you or proposing to her.

Unfortunately she can reject you on any of those steps, whether it was just for a date or for a major advancement. So overall do guys have it just as hard as girl?