DEAR ABBY: I met a guy named "Ryan" about 10 weeks ago. We hit it off right away. I admit I had a little crush on him.
About a week after we met, he came out to a group of our mutual friends (me included) as gay. I'm very supportive of him, and it didn't change anything between us at all. Over the last several weeks, we have grown to be best friends and continue to grow closer and closer.
Once I found out Ryan was gay, the rational and practical part of me took over and squashed the crush I had on him in the beginning. But now that feeling is coming back even stronger.
I know our relationship can never be anything more than platonic. I guess I'm just asking how I can get over him while still maintaining our close friendship, because ultimately, that means the world to me, and I don't want to lose it. -- FRIEND ONLY, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
DEAR FRIEND ONLY: It's not easy to think rationally when emotions are involved. Ryan may have everything you want in a man, but he will not be a romantic partner for you. If spending time around him becomes too painful, you may have to put some distance between the two of you until you regain your emotional balance.