I won't generalize, but from my own -recent- experience I don't think that's really the case. As a foreigner in another country, I get a fair amount of interest especially at my work place. In fact, it's to the point that one of the HR girls who left the job shortly after I came took my number (without asking me) then called me later to meet up.

In any case, I chose someone else I'm more interested in and took her out, and after bringing her back to my place and failing to close, she said she's only interested in me as a friend; while I wasn't. So I've just gone NC with her, and still have an office full of young ladies or options as you called it.

Just like OP said, 8 years is a quite a while, but this isn't the fellowship of the ring; if you're not satisfied with this friendship or it's only affecting you negatively maybe it's best to end it on good terms.

See this is exactly what I mean. An option, is not a number close. And option is not girls giving you IOI's or seeming interested in you. Options are girls (preferably high quality) that you sleep with and who want to be with you. The girl that you took out was not an option as this wasnt the case. And the chicks at work only become options when you are at least sleeping with them. IOI's, smiles, flirtation at work, none of these things really matter unless you're at least hooking up. And thats not a slight against you, I'm just saying to forget the stuff that doesnt equal dick in vag. Because if you're not sleeping with her, you're still in limbo. So go for that.

Bro thats fucking hilarious