I fear to say I love her

I AM 26 years old and struggling to get a girlfriend >>

I have a lot of friends, but I just don't have the courage to approach a woman.

There is a girl I really like and my friends have told me that she is interested in me. But I fear that she will laugh at me or say she isn't interested.

What can I do to overcome my fear?

- MR, Rustenburg

ADVICE FROM DEAR DUDU

I can understand how anxious you must be feeling.

Telling someone how you feel about them does take courage because you don't know how they will react. The alternative, however, is that you don't try and perhaps miss out on a wonderful opportunity for a relationship.

Try to build a friendship with her before you tell her how you feel about her. When you know each other better, choose a time when the two of you are alone. Tell her what you like about her and ask her how she feels about you.

She might say that she likes you, but prefers to take things slower or that she would rather just be friends with you.

You might feel disappointed, but it is best that you are honest with each other.