So, there is a guy I've known for a few years now. We're fairly strong friends but recently we've been hanging out a lot more frequently. Over these last few months Ive come to terms with the fact that I like him as a friend but also more then that. He's the kind of person who makes me feel happy in a way that nobody else ever has.

I'm also pretty confident that he would go out with me if I asked. There was a time about a month ago when he got fairly drunk and pestered me as to why I never asked him out. My response was because I thought he was super strait, but he responded with "I think Id be willing if it was you," Needless to say, this kicked my attraction into overdrive. Nothing's a better encouragement then actually having a chance.

Now, the problem. He is really close with his family. Theyre very tight. I know his parents and I think they'd be confused at first but would accept it. But some of his other relatives are conservative. Very conservative. And I cant help this nagging feeling that if I were to ask him out and he said yes, it would cause a lot of stress and anxiety in his family life, and im scared of being the reason for that. The idea of causing him any sort of suffering like that terrifies me.

So. Here I am asking for advise. How would you handle this? Thank you all for any help in advance.