Do I like him or do I just miss him?

[Anonymous]

So since i was a kid my family and my childhood best friend's family have been shipping us together his grandmother even wants me to marry him. my mm is indifferent about the whole thing and my dad isn't fond of the idea but I have always seen him as a little brother and I feel since everyone has been pushing us together that kinda made me mad and I just refused to like him back even he doesn't hide the fact that he likes me. I just feel like I didn't reciprocate his feelings because everyone wanted us to be together without even asking my opinion but now that he's joining the marines I kinda miss him I don't think it in a romantic way or anything like that , I just look forward to his letters more like a friend because I've liked people before and this feeling isn't even close to that. Do I like him, I don't think about him every day I only think about him if someone brings him up or I see the snow globe he bought me or places we frequented together but nothing romantic I'm sure of it the idea of us having sex weirds me out. but I do feel myself smiling when he sends me letters but I don't think it's that I like like him but I do like him but like him.

[Anonymous]

Ask yourself this: if he were to get into a serious relationship, like to where he was in love, his family loved her and etc, how would you genuinely feel? If it’s sad, jealous or anything of that nature then you probably do have feelings for him. But if you wouldn’t care in a romantic way and would feel happy he found someone, then you have your answer. Any persons family would love to already know they’ll all get along with the family that they’re loved one is marrying into, and in some ways you and him have an ideal dynamic. Your families have known each other forever, they like you two together and it makes sense. But you’re not obligated to appease them, and if you choose someone other than him then if they love you they will accept it and support you.

[AssholeNumberOne]

He is a friend to you. And while it's okay to like him, you don't, and your family needs to acknowledge that and leave you and him alone.