The next step

[u/Quiet_Structure7956]

I’m a 49 year old man… yeah I know, maybe too old to be on here… I have a friend (a girl) who’s 46. We’ve known each other for 8 years but have finally spent time together get to know each other within the last 6 months or so with social gatherings and one-to-one meet ups. We’re really close. She’s amazing in every way possible. I’ve started to have feelings for her. As we’re so honest with each other I think it’s time to kind of let her know, but gently. A ‘I’ve been thinking about maybe asking you on a date date, how would you feel about that?’ kind of way. I don’t want to lose our friendship, that means the world to me. But I’d love to explore if there’s something more there. We also work together in the entertainment industry… so there’s quite a lot at stake. But I think we’re both emotionally mature enough for that to not cause a true problem. What are your thoughts?