She was very clear that she simply doesn't do long-distance relationships and that it was unrelated to her transition, but I can imagine it doesn't make things easier to her.
I don't want to make it sound like a friendship is a consolation price and, after some flirting here and there, it's something of a relief knowing I can still share time with someone as wonderful as her without feeling preassure that things are turning romantic. It's just that she has gone through so many stuff (major fallout with her family, moving to a new state without knowing anyone there, an abusive relationship) and part of me wished she could always be happy, healthy and safe.
But then again, I don't want be that guy. You know, that clingy, possesive guy who sees romantic partners as goals to accomplish. I've seen way too much that here in Venezuela and a long time ago I told myself to never become that. If anything, the problem here is seeing something that perhaps wasn't there. So it goes.
You're not a bad catch yourself, Diana. No doubt you will meet someone soon enough!