So i can only speak from my personal experience. But it kind of sucks sometimes tbh. But its not too bad. When you love someone you make it work... It just sucks because after being with someone so long, you cant help but form a strong emotional bond with them, and knowing that the feelings/attraction that comes with that isnt able to be reciprocated kind of hurts a bit. And while compromise is always the best solution, i really have a hard time asking for the physical affection i need even if it is nonsexual physical affection. And there are certain things i would never ask for just because i know even asking would make my partner uncomfortable. And even if your partner is willing to give you physical affection, even if it is nonsexual physical affection, it also kind of hurts a bit because you know that while they are giving you affection that they do not feel the same way about you... so its really just this giant brick wall i choose to go around rather than walk through. At the end of the day love conquers all. And you just have to accept it for what it is. And realize that your emotional bond with someone is more important than physical intimacy...