Attracted to a longtime friend

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[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]Greetings[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]My[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]name is Steve [/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]and I have been friends for six years with a woman named Lisa.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]We have never really dated but we were always good friends.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]We go to the same church, we are about the same age, and alot of people had suggested over the years that I pursue something with her. I had other relationships and so did she, but we always remained friends through it all.[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]Back in August 2012, I accepted a two year contract to work in Kenya but we did stay in touch. I did most of the calling but I didn't mind. I even had girlfriends while overseas as well. In June of 2013, I was allowed to return to the states for two months. When I told Lisa, she said that she was excited and couldn't wait. [/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]During this time we did hang out but mainly as friends. In August of 2013, I returned to Africa to finish my contract.[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]Over the course of the year, we kept in touch but it was almost always me initiating everything. Even though I did have several girlfriends [/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]in Kenya, it was more because I was lonely and[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]they were available, but I never forgot Lisa...as strange as this may sound, being away from Lisa really made me fall for her. However, my workplace offered me a substantial raise if I agreed to return a third year and I really needed the money and experience so I accepted. [/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]When I returned to America, I expected Lisa to be happy to see me like the previous year but she just[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]seemed to be off in her own world, I dont know if it has anything to do with me.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]We hung out a few days after I got back and I took her out to a blues club and she seemed to enjoy herself.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]We went out again a few nights later to a nice Italian place and we stayed there and chatted till closing time. I spent the night at her place but I slept in a different room.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]I went out with her again a few days ago and she told me she was clearly feeling a bit down. She began to complain about a few random things like fireworks being too loud, and also a comedian on tv that I found funny and she didnt. After awhile I told her I had to leave but I would call her soon.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]She texted me late that night thanking me for coming over.[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]Yesterday, after leaving a message, she called me back around 10 pm and I told her I was going to come over and cook dinner for her today. She seemed to like the idea so we arranged for me to come over at 5 pm.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]She then called me around noon to tell me she was feeling really tired and that she wasn't up to it. I asked her if everything was okay and she said it was. I told her that we would talk later.[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]I am wondering what I should do here.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]I felt kind of bad that she flaked out on me. She has been known to be a bit of an introvert at times and she was complaining about alot of stuff the other night. I don't think that any of this is really my fault, but how should I handle it? This is someone I have known for a long time, but I only a few months ago I began to really develop feelings for.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]I would like to eventually tell her how I feel about her, but I don't to overwhelm her either.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]I leave to go overseas at the end of August but I will be back for Christmas and then I set out again until June and then I am done.[/sIZE][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][sIZE=3]Any advice here?[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]Thanks[/sIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][sIZE=3] [/sIZE][/FONT][FONT=Calibri][sIZE=3]Steve[/sIZE][/FONT]

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