friendship counts for something ... doesn't it?

No woman ever hates a man for being in love with her, but many a woman hates a man for being a friend to her.
-Alexander Pope-

such a fitting saying ... to hear 'but i see you as a friend only' means rejection of the offer to be something more than friends. it hurts so much, no less than it did in Pope's day and age.

'why can't you love me that way?'

i think romantic love can't be forced. compelled. it's manipulation and trickery if it is. but at the same time, putting aside chemistry and that inexplicable x factor moments... love is an act of tenderness and reaching out.

and i believe that friendship does count for something, doesn't it?
friendship means encouragement, love, acceptance and support. friendship means being there for the other person. friendship means truth and honesty and the closing of barriers.
friendship means all of this and more.

it's lovely to have a true friend. so the next time you think that the guy has rejected you ,think about whether he was a friend to begin with. there's a value to having a true friend that cannot simply be dismissed out of hand.