I read from somewhere about Life. Life is about seeking love. You should find these 4 people in your life. 1, yourself. 2, person that you love. 3, Person that loves you and 4, person that you can live long with.
Loving a friend is one of the best things i have done in my life. A platonic friendship starts through communication. After communication, you have understandings.
If you love an opposite sex friend, you are much easily trapped in a grey zone. White zone is lover's zone and black zone is just-a-friend zone. If you are in grey zone, probably you either ends up in sky high cloud nine or sorrow despair. You can choose to be in which situation.
The friend that you love is probably very attractive to you. That friend will be attract other people as well like she attracts you. Bias as every human is, you always wanted her to be with you all the time, and thinking about you. In reality, it couldn't happened that ideally. People used to have choices in life and making decisions. You can't restrain your love one making other choices. By the way, that's is not love already.
If you want this happened in the ideal way, you will end up in sorrow despair but if you let go, loving her from distance, provide her the best support in suitable condition and only hoping you are the winner at last. If she reacts what you expect, then you are in cloud nine.
Loving is not about having her all the time sticking to you. Give her freedom, give her chances and respect what she thinks is right and what she decides. She will find a place where she belongs. Even though it may not be your shoulder but loving people is giving blessings to others and these blessing will serve you well next time.
Ironically, the one you love, the one that loves you and the one you live long with are not the same person. Treat that naturally, express your sincere feel, love if you able to and believe in fate that makes life interesting with surprises.
In the end, it will be the greatest pleasure to let the one that you love know that you love her and she returns her love to you.