Best friend doesn’t share romantic feelings

Dear Abby: I have been best friends with “Mickey” for about ive years. We spend every day together and go out to dinner/movies/events, etc. He sleeps over at my house, and I cook for him almost every night.

When our friendship started we were intimate a couple of times but have been platonic ever since. The problem is, I’m in love with him. He knows how I feel, and although he claims he doesn’t love me, he continues to spend every waking moment with me. We do everything a couple would do, minus the physical contact.

I think I should also mention that Mickey is somewhat of a sex addict. It makes me self-conscious that he’s constantly thinking about sex but isn’t turned on by me even when we sleep in the same bed.

I don’t want to lose him. I value the bond we share and what we have together, but I’m constantly thinking about how much I love him and want to be with him. I even started working out at the gym, thinking maybe my recent weight gain was the problem.

I know he “loves” me, but he isn’t attracted to me. I’m afraid if one of us starts dating someone else, our friendship will take a hit. Please give me some advice. — Girl in Love in Connecticut

Dear Girl in Love: As long as you have Mickey as your major preoccupation, you will not start dating anyone else. You need to stop thinking that his lack of desire for you is your fault, because it isn’t. Although it will be painful to call a halt to what’s going on so you can meet someone who CAN give you what you need, that’s what you should do. The relationship you’re in is masochistic. You are being used, and it’s not fair to you.

Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.