What to do if she's stringing me along?

[Anonymous]

I was going out with a girl and she said we should take it slow. I tried to kiss her but she turned her head. We went out a few more times.. hugs.. not even holding hands.
After that she kinda ghosted me. Just answering that she was in her own world.

After a few days we had a long "conversation" and long story short, she said she thought she was ready for a new relationship but realized that still loved her ex thought her rational side said it wasn't a good idea to go back with him. And that she didn't want to close herself to other people.
So I told her she had to figure it out and reach when she did. Next day she invited me to her house to watch a movie. Which we did. Just that.
Is it weird that even if she asked me to hug her it felt... distant. I mean... she wasn't hugging me. I felt I was just there as a pillow for comfort. Both literally and emotionally but nothing else. Still refused my intent of a kiss.

I mean. I like her. But she said she wanted to remain friends. I don't know about you, but I don't end up hugging my friends while watching a film.
What to do. In one hand she's a friend and really like her but I don't want to be the interim bloke.

Updates

+1 y

She went for a weekend trip with her dad and brother. I jokingly said she could just send me a pic since I was staying back home and she said yes. Two days passed. No signs of life. I am no contacting since I want to give her space and let her think about this sh1t.
But still there's this idea that if you're really into someone, you will make yourself present somehow.

[TommyMountainFigure]

I can only tell you what I would do in your position.
I would say to her that I can see she doesn't want to be with anyone right now, and I would give her space.
if and when she is ready, you won't need to ask her how she feels, she will call you and tell you!
Until that happens? I'd consider myself single and I would tell her that too.

[Asker]

I tried to give that. She called me next day to go to her place. I guess she was just testing the waters and I fell for it.
Oh. That's sure as death. I AM single.

[TommyMountainFigure]

Don't be so hard on yourself though. We've all been there. It's only experience that teachers you

[Asker]

Well.. the thing is that I'm always being played. And I'm done with it. But also there's this part of me saying there's hope.

[FazakMan94]

Personally I'd cut your losses dude and steer clear. You can still be her pal if she wants you to be, and if you're happy with that, but she shouldn't be treating you like one of her close friends when she knows you want to be more than that get. If she wants someone to hug her and come around to her place and watch movies but no romance, well then she can call one of her GIRL-friends for that. You aren't a toy to be picked up and played with.

[Asker]

True. I guess the point is that. If you want that kind of attention she should really h her girl friends.

[FazakMan94]

Yeah definitely, remember to be fair to yourself here. Still be her pal, someone she can have fun around and maybe confide in somewhat, but being her emotional support? That's what boyfriends and best friends are for.

[Asker]

I'm fair. I'm always choosing girls that bloody use me. And this seemed different... until it wasn't.
The thing is I really need to tell myself that allowing this I will teach them how to treat me. Still.. I don't want to be an a hole

[Wise4myage]

Move on and forget about her. She is just using you to make herself feel better.

[Anonymous]

She is just trying to use you as a band aid to heal the wound from her breakup.

[Asker]

I mean. I have no interest in being the interim (not) boyfriend. I guess hope does last and I'm trying not to bloody bury it. But... I mean..

[Sketti2021]

She's not interested

[Asker]

Well. That's clear I guess. What to do? Still go out as friends and if she wants to hug just reject her?

[Sketti2021]

I sure would