I really like the respectful approach you take, and how love is your priority. I think this is the approach most human beings should have towards one another regardless of gender, sex, orientation, etc.

Gender role expectations make this more complex, particularly because of the toxic version of masculinity that is often taught in our current societies (by media, by religion, by tradition, by globalization, etc.). Among other things, it teaches that a "true" masculine man should be mainly a rational being, and in order to achieve this he must detach from irrationality.

What is considered to be irrational? Emotions. So, men and boys (and other masculine beings) are often encouraged (and expected) to detach from their emotions, with exceptional circumstances in which they are allowed to be more—as you well-put it—Human. One of these situations in when there is a great loss or a very noble moment ('manly tears' allowed). Another one is when they are in a romantic pursuit (of a female).

At the end this chain of thought creates certain myths, such as: "a friendship between man and woman can't exist by itself, it always evolves into something else." Which it's not true, but you keep seeing it over and over in the media. All this, along with other reasons, is why so often women are defensive or careful of a man who is friendly towards them; women are often warned "he probably wants something from/with you, men aren't friendly just because." Which creates another myth, "if he cares about you, he must be in love with you." This is why, when there are hetero-friends that are always together, (practically) everyone just assumes that "there's something there" (implying romance). Because of this, women sometimes don't want to be seen too much with a male friend they aren't interested in romantically, unless it is in a group setting, they don't want other people or the male friend "to get the wrong idea."

To get around all this mess, in my humble opinion, you require patience, respect, and honest communication with your female friends.

Patience because the bond of trust between two friends can't (usually) be forged so fast, I think most people won't get into a deeper connection so easily, it requires time, coexistence, chemistry, compatibility, etc. Each human being is a different world, we cannot just make a formula that will work for all (though, there are some psychological seductive tweaks that can be learned consciously to persuade people, but let us not fall into manipulation).

Respect because everyone has different boundaries (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, religious, cultural, etc.), as well as diverse personal needs, personalities, not to mention traumas in some cases, you never know...

Honest communication to convey that your intentions are genuinely friendly and avoid sending mixed signals. Of course, also to forge trust, better understanding and, in general, a healthier relationship between your friends and you.

These are some sociological observations I've gotten from personal experience (and some from books). Hope you find them useful.