How do I ask a girl out even though we have know each other since we were little?

[Michael in New York]

I'm 17 years old and I have been best friends with a girl Sarah. She is like a cousin to me, just because my parents have known her parents for sooo many years. Sarah is a year younger than me. I'm in my Senior year of High School and Prom is coming up... I don't know if I can ask her out...I think she might be grossed out saying "I don't want to go out with you. we're practically cousins, It would be to weird..." I just don't know If it's wrong to ask her out or not, she is so Beautiful..

Please help me on this one!!
~Mike~

[Dan And Jennifer]

People are very big on "asking" and sharing their feelings in one major sitting.

But the question I always ask - is there chemistry there or are you just fantasizing alone?

You grew up together, and at some point you made it through puberty and found an attraction for your female friend and not your male friends. Simple as that, nothing weird or nothing to be freaked out about, it's life plain and simple.

So... is there chemistry? is the air electric when you're together? do you look into her eyes and feel that connection and sexual tension?

[Michael in New York]

well...Growing up with her I never thought of asking her out because I never knew how to do it...I'm Still a Virgin and I never had a Girl Friend... But It feels like she is the one for me, but the real question is; how would my and her Family react to this strange love? I don't even no if she would like me back...In school when we see each other she comes over and says " Cousin!!" and gives me a big hug...remember we aren't Cousins nor are we related...What should I do??