Dear Matisse,

I'm deeply in love with one of my friends who now lives in another state. When we met there was clearly mutual attraction; we spent a lot of time together that was very date-like, going out for meals, spending late nights talking, or even stargazing on my roof. Even when we were hanging out in a group, we gave all our attention just to each other. Our mutual friends have confirmed to me that it seemed like we were in love.

However, until recently she was in a rocky monogamous relationship, so I never talked about it or asked her out on a clearly-stated date. I'm about to visit her, for the first time since she broke up with her ex. If she is indeed interested too, I'd like to develop an intentional, long-term romantic relationship with her. In the few past months, we've talked about love and relationships and nonmonogamy and it seems like it would be possible to broach a conversation about "us."

What should I do? Should I bring up my feelings before I stay with her? Or should I wait to see how we vibe when we're together, if she still seems attracted to me, and then talk to her while there or even after I've returned home?

Hopelessly in love,
Pisces Venus in the First House

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