Should I tell my work colleague how I feel about her?

DEAR DEIDRE: I’ve fallen head over heels for a woman at work but I’m not sure how to tell her how I feel.

I adore her and the last thing I want to do is ruin our friendship.

She’s 27, I’m 32 and we both work together at a marketing firm.

Since the moment we met, I’ve felt an unwavering connection between us. Our conversation flowed and it felt like we’d known each other for years.

Ever since, we’ve been great friends and often eat lunch together and meet occasionally outside of work.

We text back and forth and even exchange gifts on birthdays and at Christmas.

I’ve always known that I liked her but I’ve tried to push it to the side out of fear that it may make things awkward. Part of me believes that she feels the same but I’m worried that I’ve misread it all.

My feelings for her have become overwhelming and I’m not sure what to do. I want to tell her how I feel, but I’m worried it won’t be reciprocated.

DEIDRE SAYS: It’s natural to worry you will ruin your friendship and make things weird if you suggest taking things to another level.

However, someone has to make the first move. If you don’t say something, you will never know what might have been.

Perhaps you could talk generally about dating and find out what she says about her love life.

If she isn’t interested, make it clear you don’t want to lose her as a friend.