Does he have feelings for me but is saying the friendship is more important ?

a guy im close friends with says he cares for me enormously and values me very much. we've been friends for 2 years and ive been there for him through thick and thin. he says he couldnt bear not to have me in his life. everytime hes needed helphes had me there. he says if we ever dated the friendship wouldnt be the same and its for this reason he wants to stay friends as he says he values my friendship too much. hes been dating a girl for 5 weeks and it hurts like hell but im trying to be cool about it. whats the best thing i should do please help