Thanks for clarifying. I found the whole response to be a bit confusing honestly.

>The solution is to keep in contact, playfully flirting while making it clear that they are friend-zoned with no chance.

I don't understand this part of your reply. Are you saying this is for the guy?

Thanks, man. It's rough, but we'll make it through

If there is something I can share that will help you, it is this -

Don't be afraid to tell her how you feel. Ideally, talk to her about it - not over a text. If she is as close of a friend as you think and she is mature enough, she will understand and respectfully tell you how she feels about it. If she doesn't, then was she really the type of person that could have given you what you want in a relationship?

I spent a week figuring out if I wanted to ask out my friend, because she is my best friend and it's the first time I wanted to ask a friend. When I did, she paused, sure, but she also told me what she thought and didn't cut me off. Did it hurt? Yes, it hurt a lot and it still does. However, I have found some peace of mind that I can go talk to other women and look for what I want. She helped me figure out what that was, even though that was never intended

Would it be nice if she came around? Yep, it would. But we have to be real with ourselves. The only thing we can control in life is what we do, not what others do. We can use that to protect or to hurt ourselves.

The replies here and my friends I've spoken to over the past day have helped me realize this and reset. When I'm ready to reach out to her again, I hope we could be friends again. If she decides that's not ok at that time, then that is also fine. I said what I needed to say to her, and now that is off my chest

Being friends doesn't mean you have feelings for someone from the beginning. We got close, I started seeing her, I developed feelings for her, I asked her out. The friendship was genuine.

Thanks man. I will take things day by day. Would you have any advice on how I can really get her out of my mind? She was such a big part of my life. I'm staying strong, but it's really hard to not say good morning to each other anymore. We used to talk all throughout the day

I think that really sums up why I texted her after. It was hard to stare at her while we were together and smile as she's smiling, knowing she doesn't feel the same way. It was tough to pass by couples together and know I couldn't hold her hand even though she's right next to me.