>>937411189 (OP)My best friend is a woman, who's also 16 years older than me. Met when I was about 20, she was married at the time so even though I started to fancy her a lot over time it was never even an option to go romantic, and so it developed further than that and just became an incredibly close friendship. Speaking for myself, it's by far the best friendship I've ever had and soooo much better than being friends with a guy.
You can talk about emotions and feelings without feeling gay, she brings out the best in me and I'd do anything for her, she's been there for me when nobody else was. I love her more than I've loved any other person outside of family.
Also, it is cool to talk about sex stuff with her too. She has no shame and has told me graphic details of her sex life. She's like the least shy person ever, and really brightens up any room she's in.
Now there are downsides too, she has moodswings and acts like a bitch sometimes, but it doesn't even really bother me, because the trust and love is always there, and I know she'll always be there for me if I need her.