Of course! That’s a fairly normal part of life for people who are inclined to “want” others.
I’ve gotten crushes on friends who didn’t return the feelings. I’ve gone on dates with people that went well only for them to decide I wasn’t for them.
I was absolutely smitten with my best friend for years. I used to say her smile lit up whatever room she was in, but somehow no one picked up on how bad I had it for her. She’s straight. It happens.
I’ve also had feelings returned but circumstances separate. They’re taken at the time. They can’t do poly. They aren’t ready for a relationship. They liked me years ago but now it’s too late and they won’t let themself indulge the feeling now that I caught up with them.
Fairly regularly I will talk to someone, and realize with a jolt that I am daydreaming about kissing them until they start to remember past lives. Notice that every friendly touch is warmer than it should be, that they smell like comfort. And I want these people to love me, or fuck me, but usually both.
It happens. All I can do about it is feel my feelings and nurture whatever dynamic I do have with the person. If they want to be my friend, I will be their friend. I will listen to them cry and give advice and hug them and bake them cookies. I’ll crack jokes and sing songs and play games with them.
I don’t wait for these people to fall in love with me. I don’t wait for circumstances to change.
I just feel my feelings and live life with them however they will allow me to. If they don’t want me there at all, I will do that too.
