I am deeply in love with a girl whom I’ve known since I was 6 years old. I am now 19. She says that she doesn’t love me, and that I’ll aways be just a friend to her. I have never dated anyone except for her because I believe she is the only one for me. When she says I should go out with other people like she does, I just can’t do it. I feel like it would betray her. The Torah says that we should get married if it’s possible, and I know that if I was supposed to get married with anyone I could easily do that, but I love this girl and I feel like I should remain single my whole life if I can’t marry her. What should I do?
Unrequited love is one of the painful dilemmas of youth. I hate to sound like your father but I need to remind you that you are only 19 years old. At this age you believe that without a particular person’s love, life is not worth living. You will just have to trust those older than you that this feeling will pass. You will, most likely, eventually meet a woman who will love you as much as you love this other girl and you will settle down to have a wonderful family and life. It is true that you might always remember this first love and think of what might have been but you will be foolish if you will allow that curiosity to interfere in the happiness that you can find with someone else.
So my advice to you is to believe what this girl is telling you. She does not want to be romantically involved with you. That is painful to hear from someone you love but you must move on. I presume that you are starting university. Consider transferring to a university in another city to put distance between you.
Good luck.