Ms Fix It

If I were a superhero, it would be Ms Fix It.  Call it whatever you want, "wounded puppy syndrome"/ "bleeding heart"/"over-sensative"/ pick your favorite phrase. My weakness would be the very thing that makes me amazing... being able to share someone's pain.  I've always been the person that wants to help anyone that seems to need it, even if they didn't ask.  A lot of people have taken advantage of it, and I have paid the emotional price.  I'm the friend that celebrates with you when you had a great day and plots the demise of anyone that slighted you.  Lately, it's been a blessing to care more about others than myself.  I could ignore the pain I felt as I tried to get back to my "normal".  The pain is gone, and my drive to help others is still strong.  I considered contacting the friend of a friend (FOaF), to see if he desired another bud... and stopped before I hit send to my electronic offer.
I had to decide if I had ulterior motives.  Was I truely being selfless, wanting to help... or was there more?  I know I have done things in the past, expecting nothing in return... but this individual carries some weight to my potential involvement.  If it is true, as our mutual bud says, that we are similar.... if I end up causing this person pain.... it would be like stabbing myself.
The question arose: If I pursued a friendship, could I resist not wanting more?  A loooonnnnnngggg time ago, our mutual friend wanted to match said FOaF with me. This is where I confess something I have told NO ONE.  He had no interest, but I had developed an innocent crush.  He was much more interested in someone else (again, not divulging specifics to protect people). Back then, I was so painfully shy, and knowing he had no interest meant I had to lick my wounds. So I passed on pursuing any personal ties to him.  He became "FOaF", my crush passed, and he seemed to fade into the background with fewer and fewer stories told to me in regards to him.  I was amused by his antics, sad when his relationships ended, happy when he found a new love or hobby... no hint of jealousy.  But now I am considering crossing that line, from "hey I kinda know you" to "I'd like to get to know you".  Reading his blog, and the few times I had seen him in casual settings with our friend made me see that there were similarities. I can deal with just being friends, truely. I am not playing games... but I need to make sure I am not offering a hand in friendship, wanting it kissed. So I pause yet again. Perhaps I need to discuss this with our friend... good thing we have plans this weekend.  Wish me luck, or wisdom to shut up.