My friend said she’s ready for a relationship – I hope I stand a chance

DEAR DEIDRE: THE person I like has finally said it’s time for her to let somebody into her life.

But is she hinting at me? I can’t read her very well and I’ve never had a girlfriend.

She’s 19 and I’m 20.

We get along so well as friends and I started to have feelings for her months ago. But I kept my emotions to myself after she repeatedly told me her “walls are very high”.

She is guarded after her last two boyfriends cheated and hurt her badly.

A mutual friend recently told me this mate finds me attractive, but is scared to go out with anyone new.

I have told her it’s OK to be vulnerable sometimes and that she might surprise herself if she is more open about things.

Now she’s talking about having a relationship, but I can’t work out whether I’m the one she wants.

Should I ask her on a date, or is that being too presumptuous?

And should I just ask her whether she likes me in that way?

DEIDRE SAYS:  Why not! You could ask her out on a date. What have you got to lose?

If you go out for something at a set time and place, you could treat it as a proper date rather than a casual friends’ meeting.

My support pack Learning About Relationships will help you. Good luck.

Pictures posed by models.