Fallen hard

[PrincessofWells]

I've fallen really hard for a chap I've been friends with for 6 months or so. When i expressed an interest in taking things further he's told me he's pretty much done with romantic relationships.

Any advice anyone? Tbh I thought I was pretty much done too, but meeting him has made me realise I'm not. He's the first man I've even been remotely interested in and felt this way about for 20 years

I totally accept his decision, I'm not sure I can see him again as it really hurts. We would normally meet at our hobby once a week or so, and have been messaging every few days. He has messaged me since and said everything is fine between us but for me it isn't. How do I stop feeling like a lovesick teenager?

Sorry to sound harsh OP, but I think it’s a polite way of telling you that he sees you as a friend only.

You can either accept you’ll only be friends and continue seeing him, or end the friendship if that arrangement doesn’t work for you.

He’s told you really clearly that it won’t go anywhere. I think the only way to stop feeling like this is to stop seeing him. Which will impact your hobby. So you probably need to choose. That may sound harsh and really difficult but if you keep seeing him weekly and feeling like this you’ll be stuck for a lot longer.
Time does help the feelings to subside.

Yes, thank you both, I think I knew what I need to do but it helps to hear it in blunt terms. Sadly it's the first chap I've been interested in, in 20 years, so odds are I shall be 80 before the next one! I'm obviously far too picky 😒

You accept his decision and move on.