Sucks having a crush on a friend

[Latoureiffel123]

He has a long-term partner and 3 children, we work together. Obviously I'd never dream of going there, I'm friends with him but keep a distance, i.e. I don't talk to him all the time, don't see him alone or anything.
He was chatting to me at work and put his hand my shoulder, I'm ashamed to say but it felt nice.

He's a tactile man but very respectful and clearly committed to his partner. I know there are plenty of single men out there (or are there?)
There's zero I can do apart from keep him at a friendly distance.
Obviously not looking at advice on how to break them up or anything! More how to move on. Some days I'm totally fine but it's hard other days.

Such is life, I just have to try and meet new men. Anyone else in this situation?

Sending a bit of solidarity. I like a man at my sports club. He is in a relationship and I am in a phase where I get a bit tongue tied around him. I am having to be a bit distant and sometimes worry he must think I am really weird/aloof, especially as I manage to talk to other people at the club without issue.
Not sure what the answer is. I am divorced with kids and struggling to meet single people in real life and internet dating just leaves me cold.
I guess it will pass with time.
In my case I also try and remind myself that he essentially represents an 'ideal' to me (in the sense that he is a man who is able to commit to a relationship, looks nice and we have similar interests!), but a relationship with him (if he was single) would probably be a car crash 😂
Are you busy outside of work, social life, hobbies etc?

You're not doing anything wrong. It's nice to click with someone and have a bit of attention.

Try and imagine the other dimensions to him other than a friendly handsome colleague. He might be moody at home, messy and he has 3 children to manage and all that goes with that.

There are single/happily divorced men out there. I met mine at 39.

Thank you for the support! I was expecting to be slated tbh.