I fell in love with my vest friend years ago, but when I told her she distanced herself. We've once again become close, but I'm afraid to reveal my feelings. How can I get her to see me with the same affection I have for her?

I fell in love with my best friend. When I told her 10 years ago, she distanced herself. We were still friends, but she went on making bad choices in her relationships, and I never found anyone who could compare to her. We reconnected recently and have once again become very close. I still love her, and I always will.

She doesn’t share the same feelings I have, and while I want to ask her why, I haven’t asked because I don’t want to lose her again. Am I wrong for settling for our amazing friendship? How can I convince her that we could be much more than just each other’s best friend without losing her?