I like this girl who I've been friends with for over 5 years now. My intention is to have a long term partner, ideally leading to marriage and I want to be clear about this upfront. She meets most of my non-negotiable criteria that I want in a partner, is nice and I think we are decently compatible. She's in my thoughts more than enough for me to know that I really do like her.
I was in a relationship with another girl for >4 years, but we broke up about a couple of years ago. I was very sure that I was going to stay with that girl forever and the break up was extremely unexpected. That also created a lasting fear of rejection in me about trying to find long term love, which is why I'm also a bit afraid of approaching the current girl.
We also have tons of mutual friends and are decently good friends ourselves, which I don't want to ruin in case things go south after I approach her.
I'm ~25 right now and wish to get married before or around the age of 26.5-7. Considering that, this might be my last shot at finding long term love myself.
What would you do in such a situation? Any tips for me in what I can do?