I associate "crush" with projecting your own desired best fit onto another to the exclusion of reality.
Lust only lasts for 18 months max.
I suggest a preferable test is "do we make each other individually grow from our relationship?" If the answer is "No" then start changing yourself or be prepared for a failed or at best non eventful relationship waiting for death to part you.

I think your answer is correct. People seem to idealize "love" as if it was magic or supernatural. The last time I "fell in love" I came to realize that it was only a strong attachment. Nothing is permanent. The idea of permanence is a compelling fantasy. If you're feeling something today, feel the hell out of it.

I think you have a good point. If you guys are philosophically and physically going in the right direction this looks like a beautiful thing. It seems the long time awareness of each others lifestyle is a huge plus. Tell him he needs to stop worrying about things and let it flow. Sometimes you have to enjoy the present and let the future work itself out. We all never know what the future has in store for us. Developing a relationship with strong communication is great. You guys will be just fine.

My only warning would be to make sure you have real, current feelings and not just a residual crush. Fantasies can be very powerful but at some point, they get fulfilled and if that's all there was...

Feelings ebb and flow. The science behind attachment involves more than feelings, there is oxytocin for an example. Humans are designed for attachment. If the feelings of love are there, then what makes a relationship work is commitment, connection, hard work, and a desire to work through problems, have empathy for each other, avoid contempt for each other. It is really relationship skills that keep people together over time, not emotions.

Good answer! You may indeed love each other—good friends often do—but that’s different from being in romantic love. Time will tell. No need for labels.

Words often complicate matters. You are wise to tell him "give it time"

see what happens. there appears to be a solid foundation

Your answer was spot-on. Exactly as I hope I might have said.

I think your reply was on the mark. Time will will allow you to explore and examine your feelings and figure out what this relationship holds for each of you.
Good luck!

Your answer is spot-on, and more so because of the long-time familiarity.

Good call but the length of time that you know each other is promising, so the new is not quite that new

Why does everything have to be analyzed to death? Just go with your gut and enjoy yourself(s).

The two of you are smart and mature enough to know that every new relationship is easy at first, especially when you've been friends with secret crushes on each other for a long time. Now you're indulging in all the fantasies you've had to keep under wraps. There will be a whole lot of blind-spotting for a while. It seems he knows this may be the case. Seems perfectly natural to me. How many love songs have this as a theme? Thousands.

I'm not sure if you're just sharing to share, or if you're looking for feedback. In case feedback is warranted:

His question is perfectly pertinent and honest. Your reply, apropos.

Many base things off of memories and feelings of what it was like in the past . If you both can see each other in the present and not base the present off the past , you got a shot !!! Hope whatever is best for you happens .

I guess both happiness and passion could be seen as chemical highs. But that seems to me to be a very narrow view of happiness or passion. Over time, as passion declines, growing compassion seems to be the glue that holds relationships together. There is a very good description and discussion about relationships, passion, and compassion in Jonathan Haidt's book: The Happiness Hypothesis.

when both your hearts and mindset combine and your both very comfortable and can talk to each other about anything with out the fear of reprisal ,no secrets then you are there ,sounds like you have the physicaal already down pat

Take your time . Don't rush things .

Here’s to hoping it works out

Love and lust are two things that's clear
And this guy wants both
He is OK in sex with you but he has to know that he can spend rest of his life happily with you or not
Just that
I think you can help him in that

Please reply me if you got my message

His question is a little unsettling but fair, he's not sure of what he feels, but your answer was perfect, sharp. Now just give time to time...

Great answer. Who cares what the others ex thinks. Friends can be lovers.

I think your answer is perfect, plus who cares what you call it, if it feels good, go with it.