I FELL IN LOVE WITH - MY BEST FRIEND

Juliet Owen-Nuttall, 49, was terrified the man she had feelings for wouldn't feel the same way

- MISHAAL KHAN

Checking my reflection one last time in the hallway mirror, I smoothed my freshly straightened hair and took a deep breath. It was May 2011 and I was spending the evening with one of my closest, oldest friends, Daniel. We'd known each other for eight years and our relationship had always been platonic. So why now, after all of this time, did I suddenly feel so nervous but excited to see him - even going to the effort to do my hair and put on some makeup?

Over the past few weeks I'd seen Daniel in a different light and I couldn't deny the feelings that were developing for him. But what if he didn't feel the same way? I was petrified of crossing a line and ruining our friendship but I couldn't shake off the voice inside my head telling me to take a chance.

EARLY FRIENDSHIP

I first met Daniel in May 2003 when I was working as a cake decorator in my local bakery. Daniel joined as a trainee pastry chef. He was only 19, seven years younger than me, but despite the age difference we got along really well. Daniel was full of energy and enthusiasm for life, and we bonded over our common interest in spirituality and health. I loved hearing all about his weekends out with friends, especially as our lives were so different.

I was married to my husband of four years at the time, spending weekends at home with a film, whereas Daniel, who was single, spent weekends partying. We were very different, yet our friendship blossomed and I found myself confiding in him a lot.