This is an interesting thread. I appreciate all the different opinions and perspectives. And I have taken some good advice from some of the comments, so thank you! I noticed there were several who stated that they prefer to build on the foundation of friendship and I have to agree with them.
So often people go into "dating" mode and put on a front as to who they really are, I'm not saying everyone does this, it is just rather common. Some find out what that other person wants and then become that person just long enough to get a hold on the other. In the words of the wonderful Ms. Taylor Swift (Yes, I'm nearly 30 and rock out to TSwift)...."found out what you want and be that girl for a month." And then the relationship comes crashing down when real characteristics and behaviors peek through that mask. And I feel like this occurs because that individual wants to be wanted, to feel validated and that is so common, and it's understandable! You and I are floating in the same boat! (However, I am more pathetic as I have created my own "Wilson".) We just need to find our validation in God first, and understand our value as a individual, not as a couple. But that can be so difficult because as us women get older, society judges us on our singleness. And I won't say that it is easy, it's painful and lonely. And when those moments of loneliness creep up, just pray! Now, it took me three years to learn that, and I do forget it some days. On the days I forget Haagen Dazs sees a spike in their profit margin....
Also, people often focus on physical appearance, which hinders their abilities to find a person who suits them best. Now, don't get me wrong, physical attraction is always nice.
But, sometimes people don't realize that a great friendship CAN lead to physical attraction. Perhaps you "friend zoned" him because he wore glasses, he wasn't very tall, he had a receding hairline, or had that weird patch of hair under his bottom lip. But, after getting to know someone, that physical attraction may begin to develop. (And often those "gorgeous faces/bodies" lead to trouble.) Now, I won't say that blue or green eyes don't make me weak in the knees.... But I will say I have had a moment where an emotional connection led to a physical attraction and that was the better of my past relationships.
My advice, take it slow. Don't go "hunting" for a relationship. Don't hide your faults AND don't judge anyone's faults! There is only One who has that right. Be open, and empathetic, try to understand that individual and their struggles. And I say that because we ALL struggle, in some way or form and people forget that. We are not perfect, only Jesus is. So, be honest about yours and try to understand your significant other's struggle and be supportive. Don't go into a relationship thinking it will always be 50/50, sometimes you will have to lean on each other and it will vary going back and forth from 30/70 to 70/30 to 50/50 (illnesses, troubling times, emotional turmoil).
(Stepping off soapbox....) It's getting wobbly.
Now from a male perspective: Ladies, don't be needy. Give space and appreciate being an "individual". If you can take care of yourself and entertain yourself I'm sure you will be appear ten times more attractive.