Why Can't We Be Friends

I used to always be a firm believer in the idea that guys and girls can be legit friends.  After recent events I'm wondering what it is that makes it impossible for a girl to able to be close friends with a guy.  Especially when both parties have stated to the other one that they aren't interested.  


For example, recently I had this friend and we met like three-ish months ago and clicked pretty well.  We had a lot of the same interests, similar humor, and we always had a lot of fun hanging out whether we were out and about or just sitting around a house.  I was worried at first, because even though I didn't like him all of our friends kept making little stupid comments about how much we talked or hung out.  They would say things like, "**** and Eden get a room already," or "So have you guys made out yet?  Well, when are you?"  It super annoying, but I know that it is all in good fun so I would just try to brush it off.  Eventually that died down and it wasn't ever awkward between the two of us.  I'd say it's pretty fair to say that we became fairly close in that time.  Still, did not like him and he never said anything or really did anything to trigger me until one night, our group of friends all went out for some karaoke and there were a couple of things that weren't super weird; they were just different and I was a little unsure of.  For example, I had on this strapless dress so the top of my back was open and he would just graze my back or linger his hand there a little too long.  Nothing suggestive, just different.  So after much discussion with other friends I was trying to be more clear about how I felt by backing off a little.  Fewer texts throughout the day or none at all.  Only hanging out with other people around.  Blah, blah, blah.  Everything seemed fine until one night, ironically enough after earlier that day having had TWO separate discussions over guys and girls being friends and how this guy and I were ONLY friends, he decided to make his move.  I was completely shocked and thrown for a loop.  I kept thinking about Thomas, which made me feel horrible. I just froze.  I kept trying to think of the least possible awkward way of getting out of the situation and there wasn't one.  I was so incredibly grateful for a phone call I received that night just at the right time to save me.  We've only talked once or twice via text and I haven't seen him since.  


Guys, here's a little hint.  If you like a girl just be honest with them, or at the very least don't try to pull something on them (figuratively and literally) without saying something at first.  Also, if a girl is not doing anything at all and just sitting there frozen, she's either A.) asleep or B.) not into it at all.  


The only good thing that came from all of that was that it made me realize just how much I'm not ready for anything like that at all.  I still have a lot to work out with that part of my life.  The second he started spooning me I realized the last time I was in a position like that was with Thomas and it made me incredibly sad.  It definitely set me back a whole week.  However, after talking with my MIMS and several friends I'm somewhat back on track.  Down a friend, but still moving.  


I suppose nothing about this post is going to change anything.  Girls will continue trying to be friends with guys and failing miserably. I'm not saying it's always the guy that makes things awkward.  I know multiple girls who have done there fair share of messing up friendships with guys. I just don't understand why it has to be this way no matter how clear you are on wanting to be "just friends."