<human>: I [27 M] have know [26 F] for over 5 years and would consider her a good friend. But I have had feelings for her since I first met her. I have no idea how to try and break open this topic.

For background: I have never had any relationship in my life. Never kissed anyone and am still a virgin (this is a throwaway account because I have many friends on Reddit and nobody knows this fact). There isn't any reason for this other than I am shy and introverted, no religious reason for waiting or anything. 

She [26 F] on the other hand was dating a guy when we first met who proposed to her around that time and she turned him down. I have met this ex and consider him to be to worthless pile so I think she did right. 

The entire time since her breakup I have known her and she hasn't been in any new  relationship. I have been out with her as just the two of us before and wanted to tell her everything I feel so bad but just couldn't get it out. With my lack of experience I am just petrified of trying to open up to someone for the first time in my life.

I am looking for any advice on how I can try to 'break the ice' on this topic.

Can you provide a brief overview of the text?
<bot>: I [27 M] have No relationship experience and don't know how to tell friend [26 F] that I have had romantic feelings for her for years.