My friends are literally my salvation - without them I'd be in trouble. I knew/accepted the fact a long time ago that I'd grow old and die alone as the saying goes, and naturally that's in the course of happening, I mean I'm still here but sadly approaching old age and still alone, at least as far as a lady partner is concerned. BUT, around the same time I came to that realization, I figured out that if I could surround myself with a ton of good friends, neighbors, family, etc (a great dog helps too), I could almost make it through life without romance/love...allllmost. It's my personal "work around" lol. I have some stretches where I wish I had someone special, but it is what it is, so friends are a huge part of my day to day life and a great distraction from that never ending romantic void.
An easier way to think of it is this, if you're a man like me and have always been seen as nothing more than "friend material" in the eyes of most women - then screw it, just roll with that...it's sure better than nothing and honestly, a pretty great way to slink through life if you're cursed in love. Friends are awesome, love mine.