manliness question

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

This is sound advice, but it really depends on what the friendship means to you. Some things are meant to happen, and others are not; only you know how far things could go with this friend. :3

I think that's a good way of looking at it. If you want to ask her out, you should.

Or if the woman was a lesbian. Or if you yourself were gay. It's fun to say "oh, such and such is cute" and for a gay friend to go "he's an avoid, treacle". xDD

Oh, I don't know. Men and women can be friends, so long as one of them isn't trying to "play the long game" just to get into a relationship.

well, she is very shy in general. i mean, she rarely talks in person. even to her close friends.
but everynow and then her awesome personality will rise up and she'll talk around others.

Sounds suspiciously like you really do like this girl.