Would you say to a guy you like that he's "so adorable"?

Do you really think she'll still be your friend in 20 years time? Telling her you like her is honesty, so long as you respect her answer whatever that is, you're being a good man.

I don't know if she will be but I would definitely want her to be my friend in 20 years, yes.

I don't have an option but to respect her answer. What am I going to do? force her to like me? but if she doesn't like me, things will get really weird and I'm gonna lose her forever. I don't want that, I love talking to her and being as close as we are right now...

But... I also HATE it when other guys hit on her. She's uncomfortably popular with guys and that too kills me. She's single now but if she gets in a relationship with someone else, I'd be devastated.

...Maybe best to take the hit now?

Pretty much the ultimate insult to his masculinity.

Good start.