<human>: My close friend and I have known each other for a year and a half. For the longest time, we have been actively dating others, which we are both aware of.

**Past:** A year and a half ago, his friends kept teasing me about our one-on-one hangouts. A rumor went flying that him and I had been on a date. I received a ton of texts from his friends (who I was not close with at the time), asking if him and I were dating. (It was not true.) Anyways, my friend and I ended up having a conversation about dating, and we both agreed that we only saw each other as friends. We became close after that.

**Present:** I highly respect him, and more recently, I have been curious to see what it would be like if we tried dating. We both feel frustrated by the people who we have dated so far: not valuing relationships, being insecure, too dependent, not able to hold a conversation, etc.

Both of us are popular in our circles, so if I did ask him out, I hope it is perceived as a genuine gesture, rather than as a lack of options. He is attractive, but more importantly, he is a great person and our friendship may mean a match on values, personality, and intelligence. Now that I have gotten to know him more, I am interested enough to try.

**Dilemma:** Do I ask him out? I have asked out guys in the past without a problem, but now, he is one of my closest friends. I see him everywhere, and I am not sure if I have much of a chance given that we had this conversation before. Thanks!

Provide a brief overview of the text.
<bot>: When we first started our friendship, we said that we should not date. I change my mind. Should I ask him out?