ways.

I ahve had friends that I got to know over several years. These were women, mostly, but with whom I had no romantic interest. I woke up one day, realizing that I truely loved them. It felt good and I had no desire to change the relationship after that but relish in what we had created.

Another was shorter term and a woman with whom I was building a romantic relationship. After 6 months together we wer ehaving some problems and I said I needed time to think about it. After doing that I realized that I really did love her and told her so, but by then it was too late. She was gone. Its nearly a year later and I still miss her.