Can attraction grow

[Nikki94]

Hey
So I’ll make this brief
My male best friend of 11years has recently made his romantic feelings very clear to me. I love him as a friend and I have never thought to look at him in another way because to me we are great the way we are. However, it has got me thinking.
I usually go for people who i am highly attracted to from the offset which is the reason I am single today in my opinion.
I know this guy would do anything for me and would always have my back and he makes me laugh more than anyone else and I adore loads of his qualities. I just don’t look at him in a lustful way.
My question is has anyone ever felt this way and through time the attraction grew? His personality is amazing and I hold him in such high regard but I don’t want to give things a try if it’s going to fall apart in a few months time and ruin our friendship.
X

[Nikki94]

Thank you for all of your replies
My mind has been going over everything today and what pushes me towards considering this is we do just get each other, he knows what I’m thinking without me ever having to say it and we have a great time together
I have mostly been in relationships with other people the whole time I’ve known him so haven’t really ever had time to consider this
I’m 25 and my previous relationships just felt like they were missing depth to them and I know I would have that this time
He’s on holiday now for a couple of weeks which is nice as we both need a bit of time I feel
Thank you again for your responses they’ve definitely helped

[RLEOM]

I started seeing one of my male friends a few years ago but I wasn't that attracted to him. The sex was awkward, cuddling felt awkward, I gave it a miss after us both trying a relationship together and now we rarely speak. But that's my experience of being with a friend I don't find attractive.

[sonjadog]

There is a thing I do which sounds a bit daft, but I think it works quite well. If I am wondering if there is any attraction or chance of it growing, I look at the man's hands and think could I stand being touched intimately by them. If that thought makes my skin crawl, then I'd say that no, there is no chance. If the thought doesn't repulse me, then I reckon that there is potential there. I guess it is a bit like the PP's blowjob thing.

[ChristmasFluff]

I really endorse the people who have raided how you would feel sexually.

You've known him a long time - so you know if you can get rampant with him. If not - no, don't go there.

My 'thing' is if I can't imagine a man's lips feeling welcome on any part of my body - nopey nope nope.

[CloudyWithAChance2]

It’s hard enough making a marriage work when you DO have attraction never mind without.
You’ll end up in a sexless relationship.

[Scott72]

No, don't do it. It will be very difficult having to let him down, but you'll only be setting yourself up for disappointment and unhappiness trying to force yourself into a romantic relationship where you simply aren't sexually attracted to him.

[fantasmasgoria1]

Well it can. A friend worked with her OH for a year before they got together. At first she found him annoying and she didn't like or fancy him, after 6 months they became friends and after around a year they got together. She said she was surprised that she did end up with him!

[Itsallpointless]

After having my heart shattered, I decided I would go for a 'slow burner'. No initial attraction, but had lots in common. I thought as I go to know him, the attraction would get stronger. We were together for 7 years too long. He pursued me relentlessly when I tried to end it, and the reason I stayed was out of sympathy.

I never found him attractive, and it was not just based on looks. I found him the most difficult and irritating person I had ever met in my life.

I'd be very wary.