I can't say I've ever been in that boat. The closest I came was meeting my friend on FB then in real life. He knew from day one, I was not interested in dating. However when he was far more attentive to my needs or safety than even my ex was. I asked him if he was hoping for more in a causal manner not to embarrass him. To my relief that was his kind character and he is involved with someone. As a friend, I share my life with my friends and them with me. I do NOT share deep personal issues with male friends. Hoping to avoid such confusion. He was the first male friendship since my divorce. There for, my alert levels were heightened. And in most not all but most cases, if a guy is that attentive he is usually after something.
A drunk I met, moved into the site beside me and tried to become my TN stalker while camping. Going as far as putting his hand on my leg and offering to rub salve on me. 😒 I put him in his place real quick. Teddy (male dog) knew my disgust and made sure the guy knew he knew.
For us women and I reckon guys too. There are obvious predators, then there are the ones we don't know! I married one. There are also good people who are good and want nothing in return, but to be treated right too. I know this is a bit off but kinda ties into writers topic. Most of us have been burned, by former lover, family, friends, co worker ECT... So most of us are picky to a degree of how we choose our friends. If it is with the opposite sex, like another thread talked. I believe there should be boundaries to avoid such confusion and hurt. If I was not open to a relationship I would surely let em know at the beginning. I believe it is better that my future mate and I are friends. I would much rather be friends first. I feel if we are friends and a stronger bond is developing we should both talk about it. If it is one-sided at least we both know. I have no control over another's emotions. Especially if I've been proper, and not implied, teased or in anyway encourage such feelings.
Since I have yet to encounter such a situation, I would hope I would handle it compassionately, without humiliating my friend. If my friend is not strong enough to control or see the error in their thinking and it would cause them further pain, I would suggest a stop in communications. I have no desire to see a friend struggle or suffer. Again I feel boundaries are necessary along with communication.
