Rejection does hurt. How about being more upfront with what you are about? When you first become friends and get to know someone and find you can never see them differently - maybe you can really let them know how much you appreciate having them as a friend.
You know....say something like..."Mary, I'm so glad we are friends. It really means alot to me. So many people mess up friendships by trying relationships, but I'm glad we are smart enough not to destroy this wonderful friendship we have."
Kim
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