Hey everybody--first time poster here
Heres my sitch: I have a group of 6 or 7 friends that Ive known since high school. Were all really close, do everything together, and now most of us are all at the same college. Theres this girl in our group that ive always been attracted to, but she's had 2 boyfriends within the past 4 years with no break in between. Weve definitely had our moments over the years, with some really strong connection going on, but ive always suppressed my feelings for her because she was dating one of my really good friends or I was off doing my own thing. Well she's single now and the feelings for her are starting to get stronger.

She doesn't know what its like to be single. She hasn't been single in an extremely long time, and I think I'd be more comfortable asking her out on a date after shes been single for a while. You know, so she can become "her own person" and what-not. I just dont want any baggage, dont wanna be her rebound guy, and plus she is kinda naive so it would be a good thing for her if she was just alone for a few months.

HOWEVER, heres my dilemma: first off, I dunno if I can stay away from her for 3-4 months. Thats a long time. We are both attracted to each other, but we both know she should take some time off. Plus, since were in a group, were gonna be hanging out probably every weekend. How am I supposed to act around her? Am I supposed to treat her like a normal person? Should I flirt with her but never do anything about it? The central problem is that I want to get to know her more and become stronger friends with her (since she was off with her boyfriends the whole time), but I also don't want to push it too far and have her crush on me.

Another problem is I have this nagging question in the back of my head: if we were 'meant to be together', couldnt I just ask her out and everything would be great and we'd start this great relationship? If I've known her for so long how come we haven't already ended up together? Do you guys believe in 2 people having to wait to 'be ready' for each other? Thats basically what ive told myself all these years--were not ready for each other yet, but we will one day.

So what do yall think? What should I do? Sorry this is so long--im such a hypocrite b/c i hate long posts. But thanks for reading and 100 thanks for replying--anything will help.