But have you considered a nice orzo? Yes it’s quirky but it deserves a shot.

In all seriousness, marry pasta, fuck rice (paella rice all day every day), kill bread.

I think the comment is deservedly hostile to liars and cheaters, and this one happened to be a woman. It’s really not toxic toward women in general as long you don’t associate lying and cheating with women.

I think this is really great advice and the most practical approach. It’s really hard to tell from this post if she would be receptive to something romantic. Approaching her by respectfully and openly asking if she would be interested in a date gives her the easiest avenue for declining with minimal weirdness, but also unambiguously opens the door if she is interested in pursuing more. Something without a big lead-in, like “Hey, I really enjoy our friendship, but would you be interested in going on a date with me?” should be easy to put out there in a confident but low-pressure way.

Personally, I would struggle to respond on the spot to a big confession of romantic feelings from a good work friend, especially if I didn’t feel anything like that. I can imagine responding much more easily to a direct and respectful question about a date from that friend, regardless of whether I want to accept or decline.