Liminal Chris: Been in the "just friends" zone throughout high school and college life before I met my wife when I was 28. I had to decide if I could handle being just friends or if I knew in my head and heart that I would obsess about not having the person as more than friends. If it consumes you day and night and you can't get the thoughts out of your mind, then you probably can't handle being just friends with this woman.
You did state you have a full life with work and law school, so I think the possibility exists that you could be a friend with her because your needs are split between personal goals, commitments to school/ work as well as socializing.
I have found that the best relationships come out of letting life just go day to day. I never expected to get married and within a week of meeting my wife I knew she was the one for me- even though most of my previous relationships never moved beyond the 3-4 date stage. We've been married now for 7 years...
Keep us posted and good luck on your relationship.
Matt
|