I would go for it chickie! I mean drop the right hints, keep doing what you're doing. People have a tendancy to be jealous and manipulative when others are happy and getting together. Don't take that "friend"'s word to heart about the high standards. Even if he has high standards, so what? You belong in that category. Don't sell yourself short. He likes you obviously because you think things are going well right? So trust your instincts and don't let anyone dissuade you. Good luck!