How to get a shy girl to open up physically?

[NobodyEpic]

Let me be clear right away, I'm not talking about sex. The title sounds incredibly dirty, but I couldn't think of any other way to put it, lol.

About 2 months ago, this girl I met in highschool texted me saying she had seen me at our community pool, and was gonna say hi but didn't (We both commute to different colleges now). Ever since that day, we've been texting everyday and hung out a few times. She is almost always the one to initiate the texting, but I'm always the one initiating us seeing each other irl. When we do see each other, she is incredibly shy; which I also noticed when we were in highschool together. However, I have gotten her to open up mentally/feel more comfortable talking to me, but we have no physical contact (No kissing, hugs, etc.).

Last night was the 5th time we've seen each other, and we did have some contact; we were playing around on the floor and ended up holding hands for a few seconds (barely anything, but I figured it's a start).

Now, I'm pretty shy too so I don't initiate a hug or anything either, partly because I feel like it'd be weird for her. But, she had a boyfriend when were in highschool, and I remember seeing her kiss him in the hallway, so I know she's not 100% against physical contact.

Anyway, how can I make her more comfortable/get her to open up?

[A7Xthrill]

Give her time. All girls need is a while to become more comfortable with a man, even if it takes a long while. Also- try to find out a way to make it clear that you want to be closer with her. If she doesn't know how you feel, then trying to take another step up is out of the picture.
Btw, don't text her often. Texting can get boring and cause the relationship between you guys to die out. This also leaves more of an option of conversation when you guys are together in real life.

[Anonymous]

I'm the same way. I think you just have to see her more, hang out with her. The more you see her the more she'll be used to your physical presence and then she'll be more open to the idea of physical contact.

[AnnieQuestion]

Let her know you really like her. She'll be more confident.

[meatballs21]

She has to like you and trust you enough. Since she is the shy one, this has to move at her pace, and you have to take it slow with her.

[neurolove]

Persistence! (but it only works if she actually likes you)