I've had friendships with women that I had a thing for. Early on, I was friend zoned and I was nicer to them then I would have been if I didn't a crush on them. My feelings for them were just not that passionate. I was attracted to them for more than looks, which is what made the friendship appealing. They never led me on, or gave me any indication that things would change. I never gave them gifts or favors that were over the top.

Over short a period of time, I learned to accept that I our relationship would be nothing more than friendship. I don't think I stopped admiring them as people (personality, character, talent and looks), but I stopped pining for attention that was never coming. Those women often dated exceptional men who in turn became welcome additions to my social circle.