So you realized you’re in love with your best female buddy. ’Bout time! Here’s how AJ Lee suggests you transform that friendship into a relationship.

1: Treat her like a lady

Even though you’ve always kidded with your friend, if you want to start a relationship, start complimenting her more and teasing her less. Touch her more affectionately, and stop high-fiving her. “It’s your responsibility as initiator to show her how you’d like to interact, so you need to start behaving more maturely,” says relationship coach Rosalind Sedacca. “Your actions can’t be too extreme, though: Don’t suddenly kiss her out of the blue. Take small steps to make her feel special and adored. Friends don’t do that in the same way that intimate partners do.”

• AJ says: “To move forward with a girl, there comes a point when a guy has to stop farting and burping in front of her, and instead tell her she looks pretty now and then!”

AJ Lee and Dolph Ziggler celebrate the Christmas holiday the only way "The Show-Off" and his new girlfriend can.

4: Casually hold her hand

Put your most chivalrous foot forward when you’re both walking through a crowded room and gently take her hand and lead her through it. “If there’s receptivity and she doesn’t let go right away, keep moving forward,” says Rosalind. “You have to make moves that are more date-like, and if she wants a relationship to happen, she’ll hold on to your hand.” From there, try other subtle gestures, such as touching her knee when you sit down, or putting your arm around her waist.

• AJ says: “Holding hands is my style. It’s innocent, not too forward and leaves a bit of intrigue. Take it slow, and if she likes you, she’ll soon be dying for you to take the next step and make out with her!”

How to return to the "Friend Zone"

Raw General Manager AJ Lee puts Daniel Bryan in a match against Sheamus.

So your dream relationship didn’t exactly work out. It happens. But breaking up doesn’t mean you have to cut all ties completely. Here are five ways to make the split and still stay friends.

• Break up in person: Never, ever, is it OK to end a relationship via any form of technology — be it text, email or phone. Give her the closure she needs and the ability to hear it all face-to-face.
• Don't argue: No matter what she says, as the “dumper,” it’s your responsibility to keep a level head. When you feel your ire rise, instead of getting defensive, try saying, “I understand how you feel.”
• Avoid all physical contact: Remember: From this point on, you’re just friends — and holding her hand, wiping away her tears and kissing her especially will totally blur the lines.
• Focus on the positives: Emphasize she’s a good person, and breaking up with her doesn’t change that. Make her still feel valuable as a person, and to you, if you want to maintain some sort of relationship.
• Give it some time: Take a few weeks before you hang again to let your emotions settle. Also, meet up in a public setting so as not to confuse the first friendly get-together with a date.

But the most important piece of all, from AJ herself?

NIX MIXED SIGNALS: “The most important thing is to be consistent. if you are gonna go for it, fully commit and make your moves. Mixed signals will ruin everything.” — AJ