“I have a crush on my best friend, but I'm afraid to tell him. Sometimes I think we would work because we click as friends, but because of some of our values, I'm not sure we would last long-term, so I don't know if it would be worth it. Should I keep hiding my feelings or tell him? He's not currently in a relationship and neither am I.”

Since you are both single now, go for it. Don’t wait, because sooner or later one of you will meet someone, then you’re really screwed.

When you talk to him, don’t make the issue too heavy. When you’re sitting around watching a movie together say to him, “Hey I know we’ve been friends for a long time, but I was wondering if you have any feelings for me beyond friendship? Because I do for you.”

Guys are pretty simple; either they like you or they don’t, so he should be able to give you a direct answer.

You’re just going to have to be prepared for the possibility of rejection. He may not be interested in you as more than a friend, but at least you’ll know and can move on.

If he does reject you, give yourself some time to get over things and try and be friends after. If somehow you can’t stay friends, then you weren’t as close as you initially thought, because real friends can make it through anything together.

The other possibility is he might like you and it could be the start to a great relationship. It’s while you two are dating when you’ll find out how compatible your values are. The majority of the time, the best couples aren’t one that have everything in common, but they even each other out. For instance, someone with a quick temper is good with someone who is usually calm.

If you do begin to date, you’ll find out if you two are really meant to last.

Either way, you won’t be in the dark anymore, pining away for a friend in secret.

“I have a hard time talking to girls I really like. It's hard for me to come up (with how) to ask them out or express what I'm trying to say.”

You need to start taking it easy. Remember, if you ask a girl out, what’s the worst that can happen? She won’t be interested, but at least you’ll know and can move on.

Whatever you do, be real.

Really good women who are worth putting yourself out there for aren’t going to like stupid lines, tricks or gimmicks.

Always remember when you’re talking to anyone, be a good listener. When someone talks about their favorite band, ask them why they are their favorite. Don’t just sit there and nod your head; find out more about them.

It shows that you’re listening and interested in what they have to say, and nothing is more attractive than that. Usually this will lead them into asking questions about you as well. Once you’ve talked to someone for a while, just ask for her number to see if she would like to go out sometime.

Be confident and not too forward. There’s nothing sexier than someone with confidence. Don’t mistake confidence with being a cocky jerk; guys make that mistake too often, and cockiness attracts the wrong type of girl.

For advice, email me at spenc1jc@cmich.edu or submit a question anonymously to my formspring account, http://formspring.me/JordanCSpence.