Originally Posted by
vertical_sky
I don't suggest being her friend first. That's how guys end up in the friendship zone, which you CAN escape but is very difficult. Being her friend but giving her hints doesn't usually work either, because as a girl, she might assume you're just naturally flirty, or she might actually get that you like her but then wonder why you never ask her out. Eventually, she'll get sick of beating around the bush, and go out with a guy who makes it obvious that he likes her.
But you also don't want to jump straight into a relationship without getting to know her and seeing if you guys are compatible. My suggestion is to ask her to something casual, like coffee/tea/lunch. Tell her," I think you're pretty/smart/kind hearted. I'd really like to get to know you better." Then see how coffee/lunch goes. If she seems flirty and open, up the ante a little bit... ask her to something fun like ice skating or hiking, something a little bit more physical. Keep increasing the "intensity" of the one-on-one interactions. This way you're giving yourself/her an opportunity to see how you guys would be in a relationship without giving her the impression you see her as a friend.
Omg you hit this on the nail best advice
Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.
Oscar Wilde
What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
~ by Ralph Waldo Emerson ~