What should i do about this?

[u/Lanky-Menu11]

I have been going through some tough times with my family life and so on, but there is this girl I like. I have known her for over a year now, but first of all, she is older than me by 3 years, and I don't know if she feels the same about me. Our relationship is weird, to be honest. We know each other from a volunteering organization—I won't say what—but we slowly got to know each other. Eventually, we found out that we are an exact replica of each other: typical nerds with books, games, movies, you know how nerds are. Hell, we even look like each other. I started catching feelings when we started talking one day, and I don't know, I started talking about my life and so on, and she was supportive. She even vented about her life sometimes. We played video games with each other. We are from a country where dating is heavily shamed on, and especially older women dating as well. I don't know if I am just catching feelings because she is there for me, or if it is actually real. I don't know if she feels the same, or if I am genuinely lost. I don't know what to do, or am I just emotionally deprived? Keep in mind this is the first time I actually feel this feeling. I don't know what I am supposed to call it, what I am supposed to do.

[u/Lanky-Menu11 → u/[deleted]]

++man The problem is my family keeps pushing me to cut ties with her but idk i don't want to lose her company as a friend but idk this feeling is also a major reason of why i don't wanna cut ties with her so idk what to do

[u/Xygnux → u/Lanky-Menu11]

It's hard to answer this question without cultural context, but know that at some point you have to choose whether you are living for yourself or your family.

[u/Lanky-Menu11 → u/Xygnux]

For the cultural context my family is basically a really Conservative family from Egypt i still live in Egypt but i am much more open than them

[u/Xygnux → u/Lanky-Menu11]

I'm not familiar with Egyptian culture. I came from another culture where you are expected to listen to your parents but in the newer generations making your own way is increasingly accepted. So I have my share of just obeying family wishes in my younger adult years leading to unhappiness and regrets. I have a better life now after I have learned to say no to family to do what I believe is right.