Hard Things

Go you.

*throws virtual bread to distract ducks*

Hmm, not helping. Release the crickets!

*ducks go bonkers chasing crickets*

Hope it helps.

>> Dealing with unrequited love (while being married), several family/friend deaths, friendship troubles and just trying to roll with the punches and take each day as it comes...it's been tough. =/ <<

Wow, that sucks.

>> Thanks for lending an ear to my troubles. ♥ <<

*hugs* Some time ago I realized that one way to combat the sense of isolation that so many people feel today, would be to create some online opportunities for reconnection and moral support. It does seem to help.

>> Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. :) *hugs* Thanks for your support. ♥ <<

I'm so glad it helps!

>> Do you have any advice/ideas that come to mind for trying to be friends with someone, all the while knowing that your feelings aren't returned? <<

Think about the relationship. What do you want out of it? What are you getting out of it? How does the other person feel? Are your lives better with each other than without each other? What do you have in common? What improvements could you make?

Most of the time, when someone is in love (whether romantic or platonic) then they want, or even NEED, for that to be returned in emotion and action. That's why one-sided relationships tend to break up.

But they don't always. I think there's something very pure about a love that just wants to BE around someone and make them happy, regardless of whether it is returned. (You do need to be careful not to let someone take advantage of you, which is not healthy for either party.) It is entirely possible to have a relationship that's a little offset, where one person feels love and the other feels friendship, as long as folks are okay with that.

I actually have one of these in my writing. Socket loves Fortressa, but Fortressa has no idea about it, because Socket hasn't said anything or even made a nonverbal pass. Fortressa's previous experiences were with guys, and sucked, so she swore off love. Knowing that, Socket chose to stay silent about her feelings. Instead she is a loyal minion who does what Fortressa needs, and that works for them. I think it's cute that one of the healthier relationships in Polychrome Heroics is on the black side of the cape.

You may find it helpful to look at resources for asexual/aromantic relationships, or other platonic bonding materials. There are many other ways for people to mingle and enrich each other's lives.

Epic save on that relationship. Huzzah to both of you!