How hard 9f a truth do you want? The best thing for you is to learn from this and invest your time in someone else. I truly hope you won't find another shallow person like him. oh, he may come around, but that will be in his mid 40's after two divorces. You deserve better.

Sorry OP. I’m gonna try to say this as gently as possible: he doesn’t find you attractive. He’s sparing you the truth because he knows it will hurt if he tells you you’re not attractive enough for him to date, which is why he chose the other girl most likely despite you two being alike. Now, this does not mean you’re not attractive altogether. Attraction varies from person to person. Sometimes people go for blondes, brunettes, tall, wide, short etc. Everyone has a preference. You’ll check off someone’s boxes one day, this guy is definitely not it. Find someone who does find you attractive is all.

Having the same interests doesn't mean he owes you a relationship, or makes you romantically compatible. 🤦🏻‍♀️

You have to accept he's not into you like that. He'll drop you as a friend if you keep this up.

Attraction is not negotiable, meaning that if he's not attracted to you, nothing will help. You're not as attractive as her.

He's right - don't ask questions you don't want to know the answers to. Just because you're friends and share similar interests doesn't mean he has to see you as more than a friend. It sucks, I know, but you can't force someone to like you.