Alright, so here is my dilemma and I really need some help on how to go about this by:

  1. Maintaining my pride and self-respect.
  2. Doing the right thing.
  3. Not being a pussy.

I dated this girl I was friends with for a few years beforehand (just as a side note: she is more important to me than just a one-night stand). It didn't work out, which sucks, but now I am at a loss on what to do. She wants to remain friends (she broke up with me), but I still want to be her boyfriend. Problem is, I can't just not see her because we share the same social circle, including my best friend who I've known for over ten years.

I don't know what to do. I don't want a friendship with her, but I don't want to just act like an asshole and give her the cold shoulder every time we all interact and make it awkward for everyone else. I've considered leaving the social circle, but I don't want to lose good friends that I've known for years. Do I just suck it up and be friends with her? Would I even retain my pride by taking that route? Is there shame in being friends with her (Beta?)?

I know this sounds like teenage-girl bullshit, but I'm trying to navigate this as best as I can so I can keep my friends. Any suggestions?