Yes women and men can be just friends. Romance needs some chemistry and if it ain't there it ain't there. But then again romance is a very tricky thing - tons of emotional baggage is there too holding people back.

I had a similar situation. I really liked my good friend's younger brother,he was part of the group and I was smitten. We did a lot of things together but he never emotionally committed. It took a long time (as in years) for me to see reality and let him go.

BUT was this end of everything? ? ? ? nope! I ended up in the best relationship of my life with . . . . one of his best friends! (who happened to also be a "confirmed bachelor")

So, be the best YOU can be. Be joyful from the inside and it will show on the outside - you never know who else is watching - just wishing you would notice them