I've forgotten how to be single... I have a crush on my guy friend. What should I do?
Over a month ago I got out of a serious relationship that lasted almost 7 years. I'm only 21, so I've basically just been in that one relationship my entire dating life... I feel so inexperienced in the dating world! With that said, I'm not looking to jump right back into a relationship, but I do have a crush on my guy friend and don't know how to proceed.
I definitely would like to see things go somewhere, but obviously slowly because I've not been out of a relationship for very long and he continues to have drama with a cheating ex (they broke up a year ago) who constantly insists that "they are soul mates." She continues to say that she isn't stringing him along by saying they will get back together one day, that she sees him as the father of her children, etc, but that she doesn't see them together right now. She continues to sleep with the guy she cheated with.
Needless to say, his emotions are messed around. Even though I know he's tangled in her messy web, I'd like to think that if I can somehow put myself out there (but not too strong) and make him see that I could be a good option, I might be able to show him that there is more out there than a girl who obviously doesn't respect him. My best friend (who hasn't met him) seems to think that his behaviour indicates that he may at least have a small crush on me. Though I can see what she means by his behavior, he never flirts with me. Ever. I don't think I've been friend-zoned just yet, though, because we don't have a 'best friend/brother and sister' type of relationship, though we do trust each other and confide in each other a lot.
Anyways, do any guys have any suggestions as to how can I put myself out there/flirt/show myself as interested/available to him without coming on too strong?
Also, do guys ALWAYS flirt when they like a girl, or do some guys not flirt even if they are interested? Because I'm wondering if the fact that he doesn't flirt is a surefire sign that he is not interested, even though it seems like he definitely might be based on actions.