I can’t get over best friend dumping me

[Yahyahyahyoyo]

It’s been 6 months and it’s still as raw as ever. I have ASD, and this was my first best friend. It turns out they actually wanted a relationship, but I didn’t see the signs. I turned them down and just like that, I might as well have not existed anymore.

I’m so lonely. How do you move on? This feels so much worse than losing a partner.

How long was this best friend in your life while wanting a relationship? If we are talking years, that is some dogged determination in the hope of something more.
Have they blocked you? They might feel highly embarrassed, as they should if it's been a long time, and needed space to get over it. It's a tricky one, if you still have means of contact and you trust them not to get their hopes up again, you could maybe let them know you are open to being just friends one day if they feel that is possible for them. You do run the risk of finding out that the whole friendship was only about wanting more for them, which is always disappointing in your situation in hindsight.
Meantime try to cultivate other friendships. Mote than one ideally as they can come and go over time so it's good to not have all your eggs in one basket.

How long was the period before they stepped out of your Friendzone? If you felt this strongly about them its no wonder they felt safe to initiate a relationship. It must've been very confusing for them.

hi @Yahyahyahyoyo

Unfortunately I have had this happen to me a few times and it never gets any easier. Some people just can't understand the idea that you can be nice and want to spend time with them, without being romantically interested. It hurts because you start to wonder if they ever really liked you at all, to be able to just cut you off. However, in the long term its for the best. It can be quite awkward being friends with someone who you know has an unrequited crush on you.

Pick yourself up, and remember that they clearly were not the friend you thought they were. So start to find ways to move on. Read up on tips of how to heal from a lost relationship, and start from there. I can't promise you will find a new friend to replace them, but it's better to be alone than be with someone who has hidden intentions.

We’ve known each other a number of years, but close for just over 2 years.

If they have different feelings then it might be better for them to distance themselves.

You'll recover in time, however tough it is at the moment

Aww I’m sorry that must be so tough it might not seem it just now but them disappearing from your life is for the best for both of you - them so they can move on from their feelings and you so you don’t have to deal with knowing that your friend wanted more every time you saw them. It hurts right now but it won’t forever