I (24F) am happily married and have a male friend (26M) I befriended 2 years ago. Even though its an online friendship, we talk almost daily and are very good friends. (We did meet once) We have been there for each other through thick and thin and this friendship has been a safe space for both of us, a place to rant and share things. We talk about life and general stuff, nothing inappropriate.
Lately, he was acting very distant and cold and said he needed a break from our friendship. This has been going on and off for 2-3 months and it really triggered my anxious attachment because of the uncertainty and the fact that I am losing my amazing safe friendship.
Yesterday, he just said he wants to completely end the friendship as he has feelings for me. He loves me and he feels jealous of my husband and have all these emotions that he shouldn't feel for a married woman.
Obviously, I know I cant go on with the friendship but I am really really heartbroken that I am losing this great friend who was practically like my family. I offered him my pure genuine friendship and was always there for him and his family through thick and thin. Since this year has been especially tough on me with loss of my child and other stressful situations, I feel very vulnerable and depressed that I am losing my close friend.
Can anyone advice how do I get over losing this friend? Can I somehow save this friendship? What do I do? 🙁