Random Infatuations

So here's my story, I'm currently deployed with the military and I have recently become infatuated with one of the contractors here. When I first arrived I immediately noticed her, in part because she is validly pretty and in part that there are very few females here. However, every else notices this as well so I didn't want to be part of this gang of drooling guys since I presume this isn't fun for her. So I barley spoke to her at all. But a few weeks back happened to come into contact and chatted I got her back ground story and I found her very impressive and nice to talk to. Since then we've been friendly, but not overly so. But I find I'm constantly thinking about her to the point that I feel physically affected (worn down, not eating much etc.). So she's leaving in a few days and I'm quite aware that this is my own mental creation more than anything but I can't seem to shake this malaise. This almost exact same scenario has happened before and it's almost like i'm just torturing myself for no reason. Any ideas why this happens and how I can shake this bad feeling?

I guess it's lost Love.
Remember too fortify yourself against feelings of lack,loss or limitation.
Thank yourself for the experience. Be happy you were one of the men able to talk to her
Even though she's leaving, does she wish o continue online? Emls?
Or don't you have Internet access?

Every experience we have in life builds our character. I still remember boyfriends from many years ago fondly.

Develop the friendship and see where it goes. Men are taught to withhold there emotions so we never let the woman know how we really feel. You can't just blurt out everything, but you do have to find a way to be more authentic and quit holding back. What's the worse that could happen if you let her know how you really feel?

How do you know that the feeling is just your own mental creation?

i would say hello to her whenever you can, start a conversation and take it from there.