Virtually every time I reject a confession/proposal (usually in a graceful manner) or they realize I am not interested, we almost instantly disintegrate into distant acquaintances or even strangers. This has happened all too often in my personal life. I just want to maintain platonic friendship, not "benefits" or marriage. How can I stop losing best friends while peacefully keeping them in the friendzone? (Please advise sincerely. No trolls.)
Friend some gay dudes
They are clearly not looking for platonic friendships then, no point forcing that on them. Good news is that they probably weren't real "best friends" if it does indeed happen.
You generally can't. If the other party feels emotions you don't, they have to distance themselves to protect from feeling hurt. It's not personal.
I am not judging them and do wish to provide emotional comfort as well as professional support. How can this be expressed more clearly?
The general tactic is to set expectations early. Be sure to mention your spouse's existence in some form. "This last weekend was great because my husband and I did X" You can do that even if not married. Cite a boyfriend or girlfriend. Or just lying when shooting them down by saying you're flattered, and might otherwise have been interested, but you're already tied down
You can keep orbiters if hot enough.
Maybe find yourself some female friends you weirdo! 😉
If they don’t want to be friends, why force them? Let it go.
If the friendship doesn't work out because you rejected them then it's completely their fault and they aren't even good friends to being with.
All you can do is tell them you can be friends. It’s upto them whether they want to stay friends and not your call to ‘keep them in the friendzone’
Tech Industry
2d
52078
Goog Employees Arrested
Layoffs
2d
39976
Google CFO confirms 'large-scale' layoffs (Apr 17)
Tech Industry
Yesterday
407
Chances of meta clearing E5 with screwing up one coding one round and acing all other
2024 Tax
Yesterday
2709
Biden’s new tax proposal is wild
Health & Wellness
Yesterday
5939
Why are women naked in gym?
Grow up
What does this even mean? Are you saying I should give up on having friends? Or develop better social skills? Or does my writing style sound too sophomoric? Is asking for social guidance a juvenile act? Would appreciate a more specific tip than merely general abstract maturity.
Also, I thought that resisting one's carnal desire and not succumbing to the temptation of aggressively pursuing another person for a single purpose is more mature than having an emotional fit by burning old bridges. Isn't maintaining connections in one's network part of being a sensible adult? Please elaborate.