Rejection is hard; double rejection is unbearable. Especially when both of you kept such a personal secret. This topic is one where I too felt vulnerable. It's the deepest I've gone during this February challenge. Sounds like it may be your most vulnerable, too. But just think, if things had worked out, you wouldn't be with Mike. As for staying friends, it's a shame it couldn't work out, but you may remind him of something he didn't want to face.