Years

I dated this guy years ago, like 5 years ago, but we have managed to keep contact all these years and not even in a romantic way, mainly just as friends. I always go to him when I can't spill to my girls and he never fails with the great advice. We always  say I love you when we hang up but I never know how to feel about it. I've always loved him and felt like he could've been my one but now we're in different time zones. His annual training brings him in state for about a month and we always get close then but dwindle once he leaves. What is there to do with this guy? Comments?