Picture this – he likes you and you like him. Everyone thought you were a couple, but you weren't. Almost, maybe, but it never quite reached that point. Eventually, you had a boyfriend and he had a girlfriend. Just not each other, of course. Then you lost touch for a long time and then got back in touch with both of you happily involved with your respective partners.

You found out what happened to him through the years when you lost touch. You tell him what went on in your life since the last time you saw or even spoke to him.

You both reminisce. Have a good laugh. You remember things that he doesn't remember; he remembers things that you don't remember. Recreating a joint history from separate memories – like making a quilt – and laughing together in the process.

The two of you conclude that really, you ARE better off as friends. Boyfriends and girlfriends came and went, but you two remain friends to this day. That surely beats any romantic entanglement.

Now you're both glad that your friendship stood the test of time. And grateful for the friendship that thankfully, never got past the platonic.