I had a very similar experience with a close male friend with an identical outcome.

Desire, power, selfishness, misunderstanding, exploitation, aggressiveness along with love, sensitivity, consideration, generosity and respect. No matter the gender we are complex, flawed beings capable of rationalising horrid behavior depending on our circumstances and how we were treated by others in the past.

I do wonder.... What would these comments be like had your best friend been male?