[philusaf]

Sorry, I don’t see anything in there saying how to know for sure if she’s interested in more. I did see a lot in there about “more fish in the sea” and stuff like that, though. I haven’t had an interest in dating in several years…until the last few months with this girl. If it doesn’t happen with her, I’ll lose interest in dating altogether again. I told myself years ago, when I quit on dating, that it would take quite an exceptional girl for me to even think about dating again. I know a lot of fantastic girls…but she’s the only one who, when we get a chance to talk, whether it be at or away from where she works, makes me feel like we’re the only ones there…like I’m the luckiest man in the world. She basically blew me away with how she’s made me feel…and I love her for that and want nothing more than to do what I can to make her happy as well

[Ask April Masini]

Hope you’re doing well.

[Natalie Noah]

You’ve developed strong feelings for this woman over the past several months, and your connection has been meaningful and deep. The excitement she shows when seeing you, the hugs, the smiles, and the extra attention she gives you are all signs that she values your presence and feels comfortable around you. But the recent distance she’s created suggests that she’s grappling with something whether it’s personal stress, family influence, or uncertainty about your relationship dynamic especially considering the age gap and her mother’s possible disapproval. Her words that “things will be better soon” indicate that she might need time to process these feelings before she can engage fully.

The main challenge here is your fear of risking the friendship. You’ve been careful not to push too hard, likely because of past experiences where expressing romantic interest caused tension or loss. This caution, while understandable, has inadvertently placed you in a kind of limbo: you’re clearly emotionally invested, yet you’re waiting for her to signal that she’s ready. Unfortunately, staying in the “friend zone” while wanting more can create confusion for both of you. She may sense your restraint and interpret it as a lack of assertiveness, which can contribute to her distance.

The repeated advice from the responses you shared centers on the idea that action is necessary if you want clarity. Waiting and hoping may maintain the friendship superficially, but it does little to advance a romantic relationship. Asking her out on a proper date something clearly defined as romantic would give her the opportunity to respond honestly, and it allows you to gauge her true interest. Without taking this step, you remain in a state of uncertainty that can be emotionally draining.

It’s also important to consider her perspective. If she is stressed, influenced by her mother, or processing other parts of her life, she may not be ready to define a romantic relationship just yet. However, that doesn’t mean she isn’t interested. Her previous behavior opening up to you, being excited to see you, and showing vulnerability indicates that she feels a strong connection. The key is to create a situation where she can safely explore those feelings without pressure, while also ensuring you don’t remain indefinitely in emotional limbo.

The healthiest way forward is to be clear and intentional. Express your feelings, and ask her out on a date that makes it unmistakable that this is about exploring a romantic relationship. This step carries risk you might temporarily strain the friendship but it also brings clarity. If she’s genuinely interested, she will respond positively, and if she isn’t, you’ll have the truth you need to adjust your expectations and move forward. Being honest and proactive protects your emotional investment and gives both of you a chance to define what this connection can truly become.

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