Friends to Lovers

I am in the process of trying to turn a friend into a lover. Let me state that I have been a semi close friend with her for like 20 years. I believe that we both knew we always liked each other but either one ever made a serious move. Well........... the time has come and it is time for me to make that move. I have gotten enough positive signals from her and I want to make this happen.
Now, my only dilemma is, should I speak my truthful mind and say that I always thought you were an amazing girl, inside and out, and tell her that I really believe that I can make her smile and I want to give it a try or, do I not put so much pressure on her to answer that and just continue to let things unfold at a slow rate?

I am so confused

Ordinarily, pouring out your feelings is not the best way to initiate a new romantic relationship.

But if you two have liked each other for 20 years without doing anything about it, i don't think taking it too fast is a problem.

Just ask her out already on what's unmistakably a date, hold her hand and make up for lots of lost time. If you "just continue to let things unfold at a slow rate" you both will likely be in a nursing home when you finally get together. :D

Good luck

Carl.

just kiss her for goodness sake!

you don't need to say anything, you've been talkin for 20 years, just make the move, get your bodies and heads closer and closer during conversation and eventually she'll expect it