That sounds like a most extreme version of what I've experienced. Do you hang out with ppl online at all? Down to talk to a rando if you got time this wknd.
In reality it doesn't work out that way though. What actually happens is that the deepest pockets are the ones who can patent everything under the sun, and who can buy out all the poor copyright holders at bargain prices.
In theory it can work, if there are sufficient regulations on what can be patented, and anti-trust policies. But again, in reality the holders of capital rewrite the laws in their favor because money is liquid and industries are porous.
These sorts of laws favor the wealthy, at least in practice.
Ah yeah I can't remember everything I wrote. I was a long the lines of what some people are saying, "take it slow". IMO don't bury your feelings or fully expose them.
It's a little paradoxical sometimes. The more important your time is with someone, the slower you go. Because that means you consider it precious. If you just go for it in a way it means you are prepared to lose them. Of course you can wait too long, but as long as day to day is happy and nothing is between you, I hope you can progress in a natural way.
Perhaps you can be honest about your feeling without being forceful. Just show genuine happiness, prioritize time, and your friends can catch on. Then if there is an issue someone can tell you discreetly. And if you let it out slowly you have time as you say, to understand the feelings. And maybe she is also unsure, who knows?
I wish you good luck. I hope you dodge any ugliness and no matter what happens you can look back in years and smile about it.
I wrote a long comment that got lost. Uh...
TLDR If the feeling is mutual it's about not fumbling the ball more than racing to the finish line. Work on yourself if you aren't proud of who you are. Strengthen friendships, especially mutual ones. Treasure the feeling and be kind to both of you.
Death is not something to be feared. Suffering makes sense to fear, sure, but death? I was watching a silly TV show last night and they quoted a Chinese proverb. "All of life is a walking dream. All of death is a coming home."
Death is a great rest awaiting you at the end of life, my friend. It is not a punishment, and maybe even somewhat of a reward. You can relax and feel safe with one of life's few certainties. We all die; it brings us together.
Have a good one.