Relatively speaking, how long does it take you to become attached, or emotionally invested in the relationship beyond a casual interest?
I don't know how to answer you, but here is a recent experience:
I was asked to cover the sound booth for a friend's wedding. It was during the wedding rehearsal, however, when my heart started racing down the aisle. You see, the main musician had gotten my attention.
All weekend long, I had a crush that that was reminiscent of my 2nd grade butterflies moment, which was experienced when I "went with" Amber; only, the mysterious wedding musician is more intoxicating.
After my heart confirmed that she took my breath away, I purposely moved away from her, so I could breathe. Yet, at the same time, I noticed myself wanting to turn to where I could see her, whenever someone unknowingly blocked my view of her on the platform. Regardless, I kept my outward composure, while inwardly praying that God might let us meet away from the stage.
I might have let the mystery woman remain just a fantasy, except that two of my friends prodded me to speak with her. I was content with my current "what if" dream state; but I also wanted to honor my friends and give the nonexistent relationship a shot. To do this, however, I decided to wait until God opened the door.
So, with that decided, I focused on the wedding as needed.
Once the wedding guests were fattened, partied out, and gone, the cleanup began. I knew I would do more once they were gone, so I allowed them some time to do what they wanted. During that time, I found a piano to play, so as to sort in my head how I would meet the musician friend. My prayer was, "Lord, I do not know if to say or what to say. I will know it is your will, if you send her in to serve." And... nothing happened.
In fact, everyone had cleared the building. Naturally, I quickly scoured the facilities; still, I saw no one. Then I looked outside, just to see if I had totally blown my chance. And... I was amazed to see that the woman whom I sought was standing outside with a huddled group. It turns out, they were all seeing off the bride and groom.
I went back to the piano. And I played and prayed. Honestly, I was humbled and confused.
It was during my time of being humbled that I saw HER walking up to the platform for something. I caved; I spoke. "What if" was short lived. I said, "The guitar playing was nice." From those few words, a ten minute conversation about herself and myself took place. I saw her starting to pick up something heavier with another woman and stepped in, thinking the other woman would help us. Not so; instead, it was just the two of us. We carried the piece of furniture together, all the way across the length of the church property. And I loved every step of it! God answered my prayer: She came back to serve-- and I got to help.
Since then, my prayer has been "Do I follow up, or do You bring us together again somehow, or was it just a nice time with a nice person? Lord, your will be done. Help me to do what I must. I want the best for her, and only You know what that is. Amen."