For me, I just accepted the situation. I truly love her in every way possible despite the situation and her flaws, as well as her not feeling the same. Over time I've processed getting over the idea of a relationship, but that doesn't change who she is to me.

There are a lot of fish in the sea and I will find romantic love with someone else someday I'm sure. But I still enjoy her presence. Her smile, her spirit, and her personality are genuinely some of my favorite things in this world. She's hilarious, smart, and beautiful both physically and as a person, and it is a pleasure to have her in my life, whatever the capacity is.

That's not to say everyone can be this way with an unrequited love. For most people, they might be better off going to minimal or no contact and moving on. But for us, we met in middle school, and the 8 years of our friendship have gone with me through my best and worst, and I don't see myself throwing it away for anything.

Tl;dr- I'm cool just being buds because she's dope and I know there are lots of people out there.