Can we be more than friends?

My friend and I decided to have a physical relationship because we were single and thought it would be a good idea. This went well for a while, until he decided it was not making sense and preventing him from getting into a serious relationship. The thing is, since that time, I have begun to realise that we are well matched and compatible. I would love to get him to consider this, and see if we have a future together, but it feels as if what happened between us makes it impossible for him to take me seriously as someone he can have a real connection with. How do I get him to change his perspective and see things my way? I think we have a chance at making this work, but only if he is on the same page.
If this is a friend, nothing stops you from broaching the subject and getting his point of view. You may think of yourselves as compatible, but that can’t be one-sided. It’s also difficult to assume that he won’t consider a relationship with you just because the two of you had something casual going on. Give him your reasons, ask him to take his time and consider them, and listen to what he has to say. If he doesn’t think of you as someone he can be in a serious relationship with, this is one-sided and has no future.

How can we make our relationship more interesting when we have been together for more than five years? My partner and I are now so comfortable with each other that it doesn’t even feel like we want to do anything to change this situation. There is nothing wrong with it, and we love each other deeply, but I sometimes miss how exciting it used to be when we first began dating.
Talk about it more. There are all kinds of little things you can do, such as going on short and spontaneous trips, or trying something new as a couple.