Should I dm a group chat friend to become closer without wrecking the group?

[Elizabeth31]

I’ve been talking to someone in a group chat for months and we get along really well, but I’m worried about sliding into their DMs to try and become proper friends. It feels like crossing a line from a public space to a private one, and I don’t want to make things awkward for the whole group if it goes badly.

[Harper91]

I was sure I’d mess up the group vibe if I DM’d, so I kept it light. I texted about a shared thing from the chat and kept it short. They replied warmly, and after that it felt a little awkward at first but fine overall.

[Mason_H]

I tried it after a couple weeks of good banter. I asked about a movie we both mentioned and kept it casual. The first reply was fine, but then I overthought every message and paused again.

[Dennis.L]

Is the real problem maybe the fear of rejection or changing the group balance, not the private chat itself?

[AdamR]

I even found myself daydreaming about meeting in a cafe someday, which felt silly, but then I reminded myself we were just texting. I sent a quick meme that tied back to the group joke and kept it light. It didn’t turn into a big thing, just a small step private.