I have loved the same man for 6 years. He is older than myself by quite a few years - we're not colleagues as such, but we work together almost everyday in a professional environment. This is, to an extent, one of the main reasons why the feelings will never be returned. The position that he holds is... incompatible in terms of pursuing a relationship with me, if that makes sense.

It wasn't until 2 years ago that I truly appreciated just how hopeless the situation was. He pretty much told me, point blank, that the feelings weren't returned. I was hurt and humiliated - I was fairly young (18) so it had an even bigger impact on my already shaky self esteem and insecurities. I was in a very dark place for a long time that I never want to return to. What made it worse was that he was consistently lovely - kind, patient, thoughtful. It was everything I first fell in love with him for and there it was, staring me in the face when all I wanted him to do was be horrible to me because that's what I felt I deserved.

He is now in a relationship in which he seems very happy - which is what I want. That, of course, doesn't stop me harbouring feelings of jealousy and upset. Despite my best efforts to move on from him, I feel like I can't be in a relationship with, or give myself to, anybody else because they're not him.

When will I be able to move on!? If ever..

What are other people's experiences with this? Did you ever find someone else?