How can I get him to fall for me? We are already friends but I need him to see me...

[Emily Bennett]

...as more...!? We are both Christians, so no rude answers please. I have known him since I was 11 and we met at summer camp. At one point a few year ago, he liked me but I was scared and wouldn't hang out with him or anything cause I was so nervous. It's been 2-3 years now and I am seriously interested in him. It's not a crush just based on looks or something shallow like that... he's sweet and funny and he really cares about everyone. He always makes me smile and at a party a few weeks ago, we rode together in a car with a couple other friends and sang oldies on the radio together.... they thought we were crazy but it was so much fun! He just recently broke up with his girlfriend so I know he's probably hurting a little from that and I don't want to come on too strong... but I know deep down there's always been something, I can just tell in the way he looks and smiles at me. How can I make him realize I'm serious without freaking him out and overwhelming him? And if we ever did date, any ideas on
great date ideas? This past summer we spent tons of time together, mostly around other pepple though. We've rarely been alone together so any ideas on how to make it less awkward.... a funny comment to make or story to tell maybe. And just for the record, I'm not the kind of girl who rushes into these things. I'm 17 and I've never had a boyfriend before because I have such high standards. I love his entire family and somehow I just know that we would be so good together. PLEASE help me communicate this to him somehow without directly telling him! Also, we go to different schools but they are very near one another and I pass his house everyday on the way home from school. Our mothers work together. I know what I want in a guy and he is definitely it.... If you can help me out I will be SO grateful because I have never fallen this hard before. That's how I know it's for real. And if you read all this.... you're awesome, thank you, and God bess you!