I have a female friend who I’ve known for about 5 years at this point. I’m 45 and she is 43. I originally met her through another mutual friend. The thing that has led me to posting is that I feel there is a dynamic between us where we are really good friends and we are both showing some signs of wanting to be more than friends, but neither of us has made a move that would confirm that beyond any doubt. She told me a while ago that she is bisexual. I’m divorced and have never had any romantic experience with another woman. I also have a teenage child, while she has no kids. We used to generally meet up as part of a group, but recently we have been meeting up for lunch or drinks where it’s just the two of us. When we hang out and chat, it always feels very cosy between us. There are never any awkward silences and conversations always flow freely.
As we have got closer and started spending more time together, I have felt myself becoming attracted to her in the sense of wanting to be more than just friends. I’ve also noticed signs from her that have suggested to me that she might feel the same way about me. She compliments me about my appearance in a way that has a kind of flirtatious vibe about it. I wouldn’t say my outfits are particularly revealing, but she has told me that certain clothes look “lovely” or “cute” on me when I’m wearing them. She also compliments me about my hair and skin, sometimes my nails as well if I’ve had a manicure (I get my nails done once a month usually). She also always seems excited and very happy to see me, to a much greater extent than any of my other friends. I feel the same way when I see her and when I’m with her.
We have also talked about dating and relationships. I am single and so is she currently. She said to me recently that any potential partner would be lucky to have me. I was flattered, and again it seemed to me like there was a flirty vibe to it when she said it. I also think about her a lot when we aren’t together. I am honestly getting butterflies just from typing it out. I haven’t felt like this about another woman before. I am wondering if I should tell her how I feel, or just ask her if she has also thought about us as being more than friends. I’m trying to weigh up the risk versus reward of finding out that she feels the same way about me (and being very happy about it), or that she doesn’t and thus risking embarrassing myself and ruining things between us. What are your thoughts?