Another Case of Unrequited Love: Can anyone help me squash this?

[GriswoldFamilyVacation]

I've loved a girl, a friend of mine, for about two and a half years. She rejected me long ago and may or may not know I still have feelings for her. Since that rejection, I dealt with deep pain/depression (now a mere twinge at the thought/sight of this girl) and was able to fall into a happy relationship with another girl at college. I love this girl as well, but not with that instinctive passion I've had for my friend.
I've tried to shake my feelings for this girl for the entire year I've been with my girlfriend but the feelings won't go away! I tell myself that I can't see her, that I don't want to see her (even though I really do) over and over again, but trying to believe my own lie is damn near impossible. I feel pathetic and dirty, like I've been cheating on my girlfriend with my thoughts. I mean, two and a half years? I would have thought this would have gone away by now, but lo and behold, every time I think of this girl the emotions flare up again like they were ignited seconds ago. To make it worse, she's dating another older guy for as long as I've been dating my girlfriend, and they seem to be doing well. I'm tired of this getting in the way of my happiness, my relationship with my girlfriend, and my friendship with this girl (of which lately I've been thinking should end, much to my disappointment). I just want some answers, solutions, or true, similar experiences to know I'm not the only one who can harbor some hopeless love while fully conscious of the hopelessness for so long.

 

[Lucinda]

Try and meet someone else. This usually helps situations like this. Meeting someone else will help a lot. Try and forget about her.

 

[ash]

Find a deeper passion for your girlfriend that overrides the old one for your friend. I know it may be hard, but the thoughts will diminish over time. Do not feel bad! I had this crush on this older man who didn't return my feelings and I still feel attracted to him occasionally (I have a boyfriend), but do not love this guy, it is merely he is attractive.

I would say the difference is between love and attraction. Do you love your girlfriend? If so then focus on her more and the happiness you two have together. I am sure you had deep feelings for your friend, but ask yourself would you give up your gf for a girl who doesn't have those sorts of feelings for you? Good luck!