Kinda long story...Well 13 years ago When I was 17 I dated this girl. I really loved her truly we went out for 5 years everything was great.All of a sudden her parents got divorced and she moved too far away for me to keep the relationship open. I had ran into her a couple years ago and since she has became happily married has had 4 children but we are still good friends. I have always got along good with her little sister. Her younger sister and I have always been close( BTW her sister is now 26 years old). In the pasts 2 years I have been hanging out with her as justs friends. I have seen her have boyfriends and never thought nothing of her in a romantic way..However her boyfriend now treats her like complete and utter garbage. I often suggests her to leave him for like 2 years. I think she was afraid to leave him honestly. She would tell me things like She didn't want to be alone ETC. She has been going with him for 4 years.They have no kids together live in seperate places. Like I said I have always loved her as a friend. Well about 2 mounths ago we were hanging out together and I had a feeling starting to come over me for her.I kinda ignored It at firsts.But I then told her how I was starting to feel about her now. She was understanding and she told me that as soon as she breaks it off with the douche bag she would let me have a chance with her. That happend on Christmas Eve since then she caught him cheating on her. He never comes to see her unless he wants something. Her and I get along reslly well never argued about nothing whatsoever.She has told him she wants to break up several times. But he keeps on trying to win her back and I know for sure It wont happen. I am leaving enough space and time for her since I respect her feelings. Thats my idea but we still hang out all the time enjoying each others company. When would be a good time to let her know that I am ready for the next level w/o being to pushy about It. BTW I forgot to mention ealier her sister my EX-girlfriend is totaly aware of this and really wants us to be togather as well as her mom,dad,pretty much everyone in are lives is for It. Im trying to do this right. Cause I really love her and do not want to mess this up. So any and all suggestions would truly be appreciated. Thank You All In Advance And Sorry for the long Posting I justs had to get this off my chests.

JMO, but if you tell her asap...she may have something else to look forward to instead of feeling trapped with her current crap relationship. If you think she's hanging onto this guy because she's afraid of being alone...then tell he she wouldn't be.
But then there's the fact that she needs to get over this guy for a while. If she ends it with him, it doesn't mean she's over him. Personally, I couldn't stand to really like a guy, get him, but he's still all broke up inside about some other woman.

That sounds like a very difficult situation... sorry that you're having to deal with all those mixed emotions and having to put your brain into over-drive to follow love.

But I truly respect your agonizing over it all. That you're considerate of everyone involved, moving cautiously, asking for advice and maintaining the friendship with her.
All awesome and spectacular qualities in an individual.
Seriously... I wish there were more folks like you on the planet.

I ain't got no advice though... I just wish you, and all, my best.
And felt the need to say that...

One of lifes many loopholes, fortunately you seem well rounded mentaly, a great thing. There are several things for you to consider. What are her true feelings for this guy? Sounds as if she has some emotional attachment, not necessarily love. Find out and proceed cautiousely, no pressure whatsoever. Just be there for her. This will benefit the both of you in the event you and her do become a couple. Emotional baggage often is bought to another relationship. Your friendship with no strings will ease her emotionally while building a bond. This period of true freindship with you will set a standard for a future with you. Also the contrast between you and him will also help her to see that life is better without him. Also prepare yourself for her having a period in time for herself, very important for her own well being. Finally, keep your distance from the other guy, that will only complicate and create an atmophere of competiveness, which usually have ugly results. Good like buddie, you seem like a good guy.

Thank you all...Very good advice indeed Well Appreciated

You sure she feels same thing as you do..if yes..jux go ahead and save her from that deep *** called relationship..

you should have already told her... she's probably been wondering if/when you will say something...

She is inlove with a man, who treats her like complete and utter garbage. You are a friend. Be sure she really, likes you in a "Romantic" way because if not, it will never work. Imho

Thanks, I have told her how I felt. She says the feeling is mutual. I justs don't want her to feel like im rushing into something w/o giving her time to heal/recover from the tragjic relationship she is likly trapped into or was I should say.I hung out with her yesterday it went ok. I no things of this nature usauly take time. But as for me I am so ready for her and cannot wait for this to blossum into something wanderful. Like I said im hoping time will heel this for her. Time is on my side this I know I will wait as long as It takes Patiently. Again I would like to thank all of you good people for advise and pointers for this THANK YOU AND PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING.