Guys who are in love or at least romantically interested in their female friends know this for a fact: turning friendship into romance is not only hard but very complicated. The situation is difficult because it puts many things at risk: if the interest is expressed and the feeling is not mutual, the guy loses not only an acquaintance, but also someone he really cares about. If you are in aforementioned dilemma, fret not. You can still take a chance without losing your special friend with the dating guide below:

• Go on a date as friends – Ask her out on a date. If she refuses because she insists on the friendship thing, convince her the two of you will just hang out as buddies. There is nothing wrong will spending time together as pals, but this will serve as the first step to you two becoming dating friends.

• Make the necessary preparations – This may just be a friendly date to her, but it is not the same to you. This can be your one and only chance to make her change her mind about your current friendship status. Therefore, you need to prepare…but not too much. You don’t want to make her suspicious. Shower, groom yourself and dress well. Skip the denim jeans in favor of khakis. Don’t forget to clean you car, too.

• Show her your gentlemanly side – To effectively make her reconsider your friendship situation, be a gentleman. This requires subtlety, though. Do gentlemanly gestures, such as opening doors, without appearing like you’re trying too hard. Make it seem natural.

• Give her flowers and a compliment – This gesture can make your intention a little too obvious, but only if you don’t do it right. Instead of roses, opt for the more ‘friendship-appropriate’ variety of flowers like daisies or carnations. Tell her you saw a flower shop nearby and thought she’d like some. Don’t forget to tell her how great she looks, but don’t lay it on too thick.

• Don’t rush – Take your time. You know these things require a whole lot of patience on your part. Don’t even speak about being a couple. You may establish physical contact but don’t be too forward. For instance, if the two of you are walking in a crowded street, suggest that she hold your hand so that she won’t get lost in the crowd; when you have passed, slowly let go. That way, you touched her but not in a inappropriate way. If you really like her, you wouldn’t even mind all your time and effort to take your friendship into the next level.

If you do the right things, she herself might even initiate the change from friendship to romance, and you guys can start really dating sooner than you think!