Dear MrsRobin:

Because you asked him if a friendship with him is “something that over time might develop”, and he answered that “it would never be more than friends”, better you accept his answer as true.

There is a concept in psychotherapy called radical acceptance, it means accepting reality for what it is, not hoping or trying to change it. With radical acceptance there is way less suffering around the reality that we once resisted. Here is an online definition of the term: “Radical acceptance is about accepting life on life’s terms and not resisting what you cannot or choose not to change. Radical acceptance is about saying yes to life, just as it is” (Psychology today. com).

Maybe this concept/ skill, once you thoroughly absorb it and practice it in regard to this man will make a friendship with him possible, and free you to pursue a romantic relationships with a different man. What do you think?

anita