There a big difference between "having feelings for" someone and an "innocent crush." I can't say for sure, because I'm not you, but you're most likely experiencing a crush. That's all, and it's completely normal to have crushes even when you're in a relationship. As long as you're not acting on anything and there's no actual emotions involved, you're fine.

sometimes these things happen. but i don't think that you should act on these feelings while you are still in a relationship! if you really love your boyfriend then i think you will just get over this (although it may be hard). i don't think flirting in a relationship is healthy, this can lead to large amounts of attention drawn to a woman (or man) and sometimes the cause of cheating. if you do try and see where things can go with your guy friend, then it's only fair to let your boyfriend know and let him go.

I don't think flirting is innocent if you have a crush on the guy, Sugar.

That said, the OP didn't say she flirted with him at all.

It could be that your guy friend shares a lot of qualities with your boyfriend, and you've subconsciously picked up on that. Hey, you love your boyfriend for those traits, so an innocent crush is probably your brain pointing you to those same traits in someone else.

However, if you're crushing on this other guy because he has qualities you WISH your boyfriend had, well, then it's time to think about the relationship. Are they serious deficits or just little things that could be worked out with conversations with your boyfriend? I wouldn't tell your boyfriend about the crush. I don't think that would help you or your boyfriend work through things at all.

I wouldn't worry too much as long as you realize that it's a crush that you wouldn't act on. I've had little crushes on guy friends, but I realize that I'd never even consider cheating on my husband, so it's sort of a non-issue. If you still love your boyfriend, you're probably not falling out of love with him; maybe you're just bored with the status of the relationship as it is now. Try doing something fun/different together to try and rekindle your old spark.

it's 100% normal to have feelings for other people when you've been with your partner for a long time, just remember that it's the matter of acting on it that gets you into trouble. i think that since you've been such good friends with the guy for so long, that if there were something more there - then you would have acted on it.

You yourself say "I'm pretty sure it's just an innocent crush" and you don't indicate any problems with your boyfriend. I don't think you need to drag your boyfriend into this so I disagree with Sugar's advice about talking to him. I think crushes are normal but you have to make sure you don't put yourself in a position to cross the line.

If you are starting to develop feelings for the guy uve known for 7 years then you do not really love your 5 year boyfriend and it looks like you have moved on without realizing it.

Feelings are perfectly normal - it's what you do with them that matters. If the crush goes beyond innocent and you have a real urge (as in, would have to talk yourself out of it) to cheat, by all means break things off with your boyfriend! Otherwise, get over it. Think of all the reasons why it's great to be in your relationship and not with someone else and move on. Also, you're probably crushing on your guy friend because you've known him for a long time, it's comfortable to be around him, and he has qualities that make him similar to your boyfriend or at least boyfriend material. This is why it's hard for men and women to be friends - if you're friends then obviously they are a quality person! Remind yourself that you don't know how things would be if you were to date your friend (he could be a closet schmuck), and you'd risk ruining a great friendship, not to mention the great relationship you currently have.

I agree with RunninginBoston... flirting really isn't innocent if you've got a crush on the guy and also, the OP never said she was flirting at all. So good for you OP! I think it is normal over the course of a long relationship to have little crushes here and there. When I say crush I mean thinking someone is cute, or nice, or admirable... basically recognizing that you COULD like them in a romantic way. However, since you are in a relationship usually you will realize that though you are crushing on this other person, your boyfriend is who you are in love with.

I think sometimes we forget that being in a relationship and loving someone doesn't mean that you stop being attracted to traits in others that attracted you to your boyfriend in the first place. You'll still recognize them. But if you really love your boyfriend you won't act on them.

I also think you don't need to tell your boyfriend unless he wouldn't care or unless you start to act on your feelings (ex: flirting with your crush). Also, if you start to think you really might be bored, you might want to have a little talk about it. Just to make sure you guys can try to keep things fresh for the sake of your relationship.

Some people measure love (like myself) as whether or not you would die for that person or go to great lengths to save or preserve a relationship. Kind of like when you and your parents or siblings have a fight or have issues (assuming it's not criminal) but in the end you still love them and no matter what are still there for them and would do anything to see that they are safe and happy. Now test that theory if you agree with it. I have friends who I value, but in the end of the day, my relationship with some of them aren't at all that important.

It's like, whether or not you can go one day without talking to that person, or maybe whether or not you can go a long while. Perhaps it's better to say, if that person died today, would you notice it for the rest of your life? (This last theoretical segment might have it's issues though.)

I agree with SUGAR...for the most part!
I think innocent flirting can actually SAVE your relationship! I mean, you've been with your guy for 5 years, and it's not as exciting as it used to be. You're probably wanting something new, that you haven't had for a while. The grass always looks greener on the other side. So flirt a little! As long as you're not acutally having thoughts about cheating on your boy (kissing, sex) I think it's perfectly ok. It will maybe help you get it out of your system, and maybe finally realize that this is not what you wanted afterall. Because hey, if you don't, you'll always keep wondering what ifs. And maybe in the process, you might end up finding out that this boyfriend of yours isn't the guy for you.
I don't think you necessary have to tell your boy that you've been crushing on this guy, it's TMI, but just keep it to yourself and do what you need to do. But it's not a bad idea to tell him what you want more of him. Just be in touch with your feelings and make sure you communicate your needs with your man.

good luck!