Of course men and women can be friends (regardless of the size of the mazoomies (FCat, don't be so hard on yourself!)). And yes, there has to be some attraction there; why would you want to be friends with someone you didn't like to be with?

But the questions I ask myself are:
1) If there is a sexual attraction is it mutual? Can it be mutual? (If both are "No", then we're on the friendship track)
2) Is this friendship rich enough by itself that I don't want to jeopardize it by taking it romantic? (Because romances can die a fast death, while friendships can mature for years)
3) Would a romance with this person involve a lot of pain and very little gain? (If she is in a relationship, if her lifestyle or career plans go completely contrary to mine)

The rest is just a matter of maturity, self-discipline and the belief that I am accountable for my emotions and my actions--and the acceptance that woman are my equals and not my sexual playthings.

--
Since Allah has given me a brain, it would seem like a sin not to use it.